WCC News: Ecumenical solidarity: standing with Sudan in times of crisis

Sudan, in a cycle of conflict and suffering, found a glimmer of hope through an international joint ecumenical solidarity visit from 18-23 April.  A child in a camp for internally displaced people outside Kubum in the Darfur region, Sudan. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 30 April 2024 The World Council of Churches (WCC), All Africa Conference of Churches, Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa, ACT Alliance, and General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church united to support Sudan. This collaboration builds on previous efforts, including a solidarity visit in April 2022 and virtual ecumenical forums and prayer sessions. One of the delegates, Jeannette Uwizeye, executive director, Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa, shared that, in Sudan, “the cost of living is high. However, the pressing needs, especially after visiting internally displaced persons, are basic needs: food and shelter. In one of the camps, they brought out the fact that they have pregnant women and they have no health facilities.  Sexual and gender-based violence are some other issues.” The solidarity visit purpose went beyond immediate relief to fostering long-term peace-building in Sudan and the surrounding area. A key concept was accompaniment, which meant supporting Sudanese people in their healing and reconciliation journey. By engaging with church leaders, women, youth, and various faith groups, the delegation aimed to grasp the challenges and amplify the voices of those impacted by the crisis. Elizabeth Kisiigha Zimba, ACT Alliance regional representative for Africa, shared that, at one of the camps, the camp leader, a kind-hearted man, couldn't hold back his tears as he received the cash envelope. He was overwhelmed by the gesture, unable to believe such generosity. He remarked that the smiles on everyone's faces, despite their dire circumstances, reflected a resilient hope for peace to reignite in Sudan and for life to regain its usual rhythm. Rev. Dr Jin Yang Kim, who represented the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church within the ecumenical delegation, said he understood the vital role of strengthening partnerships with local humanitarian groups. It became clear that international humanitarian channels often fail to adequately address the immediate needs of internally displaced persons.  Kim joined the delegation in visiting two shelters in Port Sudan: Red Sea School and Mayo Girls' School. The internally displaced persons live in tents within these shelters, enduring scorching heat during the day and freezing cold at night. The Red Sea School has 85 houses, whereas the Mayo Girls School has 47. Internally displaced persons, primarily from Khartoum, lack basic necessities such as blankets, kitchen sets, and healthcare access.  Kim stated: “The key message to the Sudanese government is to ensure the accessibility of humanitarian aid. We are informed that another pressing challenge is that international humanitarian aid often arrives late. Instead of relying solely on humanitarian channels like UNHCR, WPF, and UNICEF, direct funds are needed to address urgent needs promptly. “Churches and the national council of churches in conflict areas can serve as reliable and respected partners within local communities, fostering partnerships with local humanitarian organizations. Besides immediate response efforts, another vital lesson learned is the imperative of nurturing and harnessing local faith-based agencies for sustained long-term engagement,” said Kim. Archbishop Ezekiel Kondo and the WCC president from Africa Most Rev. Dr Rufus Okikiola Ositelu at the Cathedral of Christ, Province of Episcopal Church of Sudan. Photo: WCC The delegation's participation in a Sunday worship service, led by Archbishop Ezekiel Kondo, underscored the transformative impact of solidarity. A survivor of Rwanda's genocide highlighted the church's role in rebuilding, evoking tears of hope from attendees.  “Those attending the service shed tears upon hearing her story, not tears of pain from the war, genocide, or loss of their homes, but tears of hope, envisioning their own capacity to forge new paths amidst present challenges and pain. This moment stands as a testament to solidarity with sisters and brothers in Sudan, one that I will carry forward as I journey to the most vulnerable places and people,” said Kim. WCC president from Africa His Holiness Most Rev. Dr Rufus Okikiola Ositelu, of the Church of the Lord (Prayer Fellowship) Worldwide, also a member of the ecumenical delegation, said:  “As a result of our meetings with both the Christian and Muslim communities, it is very clear that the conflict in Sudan has nothing to do with religion, but politics, ethnicity, and power. The minister in charge of security informed us that extremists and fundamentalists exist, but are very few and that they have no role to play in Sudan, and that their actions are insignificant. The Sudan Christian Council is very grateful for the solidarity visit, particularly at this period when some Sudanese are fleeing the country because of the war; we decided to visit them. They are very grateful indeed. We were all invited to fellowship with them at the Anglican Church in Port-Sudan on 21 April, where I presented the homily. The theme of my message was: ‘At a time like this.’ ” Ositelu concluded: “WCC should help to make life more meaningful and enjoyable in Africa through diplomatic channels. For instance, Africans travelling within Africa should be able to travel without any need for visa (i.e travel visa-free), just like the European Union. It saddens my heart to see the consequences of man-caused sufferings in some African countries due to bad decisions. We as the WCC should get involved more in prevention than cure. We should invest more time and resources to engage any situation that might lead to war. Doing this will require less time, energy and resources—prevention is better than cure. Last but not the least, we should continue to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. God is love and He made us to care and be kind to others (Matthew 25:31-40).”  Since 15 April 2023, Sudan has faced a harrowing humanitarian emergency due to clashes between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The consequences have been dire: millions displaced, basic necessities scarce, healthcare inaccessible, and education disrupted. Over 7.4 million people are displaced, making it the largest internal displacement crisis globally. In solidarity visit to Sudan, WCC strengthens foundations for peace (WCC News release, 25 April 2024) WCC urges prayers—and action—for the plight of people in Sudan (WCC Interview, 25 April 2024) WCC meets president of Sudan for discussion of roadmap to peace (WCC News release, 26 April 2024) Photo gallery from the visit to Sudan Latest ACT Appeal for Sudan WCC member churches in Sudan See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.  Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland

EarthBeat Weekly: A U.S. diocese's gift to Pope Francis on his name day

A U.S. diocese's gift to Pope Francis on his name day Your weekly newsletter about faith and climate change April 26, 2024   Bishop John Stowe of Lexington, Kentucky, announces a net-zero initiative, pledging to reach net-zero emissions across its 59 parishes as well as schools and other institutions in the next six years. With him at a press conference April 23 are Adam Edelen (right), founder and CEO of Edelen Renewables, and Joshua Van Cleef (left), director of the diocese's peace and justice office. (Courtesy of Diocese of Lexington) Bishop John Stowe announced on Tuesday that the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky, was committing to achieving net-zero emissions across its 59 parishes, as well as schools and other institutions, by the year 2030 — one of the boldest climate actions to date from a U.S. Catholic diocese. "Today, April 23, is the day after Earth Day, but it's also the Feast of St. George. That may not sound like it's anything important, except that Pope Francis' name was Jorge, or George, before he became pope. And so, it's a holiday at the Vatican. So this is our gift to Pope Francis on his name's day," said the Lexington bishop. "We're grateful to say we're gonna do this, and reduce our carbon consumption, our carbon footprint, and bring ourselves to net-zero, in a pretty short amount of time, because we only have a pretty short amount of time to make an impact in a lasting way on this world," he added. Indeed, the net-zero 2030 target by the Lexington Diocese is a full 20 years sooner than when Francis has pledged for the Vatican City-State to reach net-zero emissions itself in 2050. What exactly does "net-zero emissions" mean? NCR environment correspondent Brian Roewe explains in his report: "Net-zero emissions refers to the elimination of carbon emissions an organization produces, and counterbalancing hard-to-eliminate emissions through removal of carbon from the atmosphere." And why is it important to eliminate carbon emissions? Roewe's report continues, "Carbon emissions are primarily released from burning fossil fuels, and they trap heat in the atmosphere, which is the main driver of global warming." Adam Edelen, CEO and founder of Lexington-based Edelen Renewables and the primary adviser on the Lexington Diocese's net-zero task force, called the initiative "audacious" and "extraordinary," saying, "It really communicates to the rest of the world that if we can do this in coal country, you should be able to do it wherever you are." Read more: Lexington Diocese, in heart of coal country, commits to net-zero emissions     What else is new on EarthBeat: Saving the Earth requires new images of God, says feminist theologian Elizabeth Johnson by Heidi Schlumpf In a new book of meditations on God and the Earth, feminist theologian Elizabeth Johnson explores an image of God as lover of creation.   In the Philippines, Catholic priests tackle plastic waste brick by brick by Brian Roewe The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart build bricks from discarded plastic bottles. It's one way communities across the world are addressing the problem of plastic pollution.   Ave Maria professor: Earth Day needs Catholics' full engagement and hopeful vision by Kimberley Heatherington, OSV News Catholics can contribute a unique perspective to Earth Day by viewing it as an opportunity to fulfill their role as stewards of creation.   In Vietnam province, sisters teach how to adapt to climate change by Joachim Pham In disaster-prone provinces of Vietnam, sisters help locals adjust to climate change through sustainable techniques and financial support, allowing them to adapt and stay on their land.    Brazil's bishops alarmed over growing number of land disputes under Lula's government by Eduardo Campos Lima, OSV News Conflicts over land, water or forest territories grew in Brazil in 2023, reaching 2,203 cases and impacting more than 950,000 people, according to the Land Pastoral Commission.   How clean water and faith go hand in hand by Susan Barnett, Religion News Service Water purifies and blesses in every religion. But it is more than a symbol: Clean water is a conduit of care and love.     Animal cruelty officer-turned-animal chaplain Matty Giuliano loves ferrets and St. Francis by Kathryn Post, Religion News Service 'I know there are plenty of people out there who believe animals have no souls,’ said Giuliano. ‘And I cannot accept one of God’s creation is, spiritually, the equivalent of a cup of ice cream.'   With the red heifer ceremony, God purifies the people through the earth by Damian Costello Part 1: The red heifer has been in the news, with rumors that the ancient ceremony from Scripture will be revived. This sacrifice works to restore wholeness to the community.   Black Elk, White Buffalo Woman and the mystery of the red heifer ceremony by Damian Costello Part 2: The red heifer ceremony flows out of our deepest human spiritual instincts. Rituals that combine land, power and wholeness, where mystery is greater than clarity.   What's happening in other climate news: On the agenda this Earth Day: A global treaty to end plastic pollution —Joseph Winters for Grist Can Biden's new jobs program to fight climate change attract women and people of color? —Jessica Kutz for The 19th* Strict new EPA rules would force coal-fired power plants to capture emissions or shut down —Matthew Daly for The Associated Press On Earth Day, Biden Spotlights Climate Investments to Contrast With Republicans —Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Brad Plumer for The New York Times WATCH: Paris Olympics hope to earn the gold medal in 'green' by cutting emissions in half —Chase Cain for NBC Los Angeles Earth Day: Pope Francis urges responsibility for our common home —Lisa Zengarini for Vatican News Earth Day 2024: It's time for the Catholic Church to give up fossil fuels for good —Daniel R. DiLeo for America   Final Beat: At the Religion News Association awards over the weekend, NCR environment correspondent Brian Roewe won third place for magazine/nondaily newspaper religion reporting. Of Roewe's reporting for EarthBeat, the judges said: "This sweeping portfolio of stories follows the Catholic Church's continuing call to action on climate change. As NCR's environmental correspondent, Brian Roewe takes us to school on how to cover a beat. This entry includes stories on the recent United Nations global climate summit, the politics behind the fight over using a company's faith-influenced environmental record to judge its investment appeal, and Honduras' problematic 'Dry Corridor,' now a migration catalyst for citizens fleeing the agriculturally ravaged land." Congratulations to Brian, and to the other GSR and NCR staff who were honored at this year's RNA awards. Read more here. Thanks for reading EarthBeat! Stephanie Clary Environment Editor National Catholic Reporter sclary@ncronline.org Instagram: @stephanieclaryncr     Featured Advertisers   Explore spirituality and social justice at Xavier University. Graduate theology degrees and certificates. Online options. Tuition discounts available.   Advertisement

SojoMail - A glimpse of global Christian unity

Amid Real Disagreement, Christian Unity Still Matters Adam Russell Taylor writes in this week’s SojoMail that we don’t have to ignore our theological differences to work together for positive change: Sometimes the church can feel hopelessly divided: Disagreements around sexuality are splitting apart Protestant denominations in the U.S. and around the world. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has further divided the Orthodox Church. The Catholic Church continues to face fallout over its handling of sexual abuse and schisms over Pope Francis’ hopeful efforts to create a more inclusive church. But while the church’s divisions tend to grab headlines, I’ve noticed that examples of unity within the body of Christ often go unnoticed. When I say “Christian unity,” what I mean isn’t “Christians should all just agree” or even “Christians should ignore our real differences in doctrine and tradition.” Instead, what I mean by “Christian unity” is that when we center our shared identity in Christ — notwithstanding our differences — we can generate trust and build relationships that bear real fruit, increasing cooperation within the church to address challenges in the world. And I say this knowing that there are often many good reasons why Christians are not unified, including differing views on issues that cut to the heart of our faith, such as our interpretation of scripture, what we believe about the role of baptism, and vastly different governance structures, as well as differing views around contentious issues such as abortion and sexuality. But Christian unity is still worth pursuing because it ultimately strengthens our collective witness, advancing the love of God and work of justice. Last week, I had the privilege of seeing glimpses of that kind of Christian unity in action. READ THE FULL ARTICLE Forward Share

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WCC NEWS: WCC meets president of Sudan for discussion of roadmap to peace

On 20 April, an ecumenical delegation led by World Council of Churches president from Africa His Holiness Most Rev. Dr Rufus Okikiola Ositelu, of the Church of the Lord (Prayer Fellowship) Worldwide, met with Sudan president General Abdul Fattah Al-Burhan.  The World Council of Churches led a delegation on a visit to Sudan from 18-22 April. President of the Sovereign Council, Lieutenant General Abdul Fattah Al-Burhan. Photo: President's office of Sudan 26 April 2024 I informed him about the composition and work of the WCC, and how we have been engaged in peace missions in the past and present, including Cuba, Colombia, Palestine, and Sudan in the past,” said Ositelu. “I also expressed our concern about the situation in Sudan and shared how we are also involved in humanitarian assistance.” The World Council of Churches led a delegation on a visit to Sudan from 19-22 April. The ecumenical group included the World Council of Churches (WCC), All Africa Conference of Churches, ACT Alliance, Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa Global Ministries, Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa, and Norwegian Church Aid.  Ositelu described the mission to Sudan as a solidarity visit to listen to the authorities and the Sudanese, as well as to discuss the president’s roadmap to peace, and explore how the WCC can help Sudan achieve a just peace.  “I informed the president that we have listened to specialized ministries and member churches in Sudan,” said Ositelu. “I informed him that despite shortage of resources, the humanitarian agencies are trying their best.” Many internally displaced persons are lacking food, shelter, and water, and are facing health challenges.  "The president appreciated our solidarity visit and expressed his readiness to resolve the conflict through dialogue,” said Ositelu. “He insisted that any agreement reached must be adhered to, which was not the case in the past, according to him.” Ositelu thanked the president for his understanding and for his willingness to resolve the conflict at the round table.  “As a result of our meetings with both the Christian and Muslim communities, it is very clear that the conflict in Sudan has nothing to do with religion—but instead with politics, ethnicity, and power,” said Ositelu. "The minister in charge of security informed us that extremists and fundamentalists exist, but are very few and that they have no role to play in Sudan, and that their actions are insignificant.” The Sudan Christian Council expressed gratitude for the solidarity visit, particularly at this period when some Sudanese are fleeing the country because of the war. “They are very grateful indeed,” said Ositelu. "We were all invited to fellowship with them at the Anglican Church in Port-Sudan on 21 April where I presented the homily.” The theme of Ositelu’s message was “At a time like this.” Ositelu expressed gratitude to God for making the solidarity visit possible. “Secondly, I am very happy that the authorities are open to dialogue, which is the basis of reaching goals, and in this context, our goal is just peace,” he said.  In solidarity visit to Sudan, WCC strengthens foundations for peace | World Council of Churches (oikoumene.org) WCC urges prayers—and action—for the plight of people in Sudan | World Council of Churches (oikoumene.org) See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland