WCC NEWS: Swedish coordinators reflect on lifelong advocacy for peace and justice in Palestine and Israel

Erik Svanberg and Maria Bäcklund, through the Christian Council of Sweden, have served as national coordinators with the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel. They both are losing their jobs, as the programme has been paused because of changes by the Swedish government in funding priorities. Svanberg and Bäcklund reflected on the life-changing aspects of their work, and their wish that the programme will continue.   Erik Svanberg and Maria Bäcklund. Photo: Christian Council of Sweden 03 April 2025 Nine years ago, Svanberg served as an ecumenical accompanier. “As for so many ecumenical accompaniers, the experience meant a lot for me personally and what I chose to do moving forward,” he said. “I felt that it was a huge privilege to start working as a national coordinator at the Christian Council of Sweden in 2022.” Bäcklund has been involved with the programme since from its inception as a pilot. “I was part of the steering group for the programme in Sweden,” she explained. She has also served as an ecumenical accompanier, in 2006 and 2007, an experience she described as “life-changing.” Bäcklund has worked in the Christian Council of Sweden for almost 20 years and, since 2019, has had the position as a national coordinator. Budget cuts The Swedish government has decided on new priorities for its development assistance cooperation in Palestine, as well as significantly cut its budget. The Christian Council of Sweden has had close dialogue with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency regarding the relevance of international protective presence and the churches’ contributions to peace and justice, especially at this critical moment for many vulnerable communities in the West Bank. However, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency has not prioritised the WCC Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel in its portfolio.  “There was a huge interest in the question of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel when news came out that the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency was not planning to continue its funding,” said Svanberg. “We received messages of support and questions about our future, from church and civil society partners, and from a large number of politicians.” Many parliamentarians had met with or received reports from ecumenical accompaniers, and the eyewitness stories meant a lot for the work of these policymakers. “Since December 2024, the question of the Swedish funding for the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel has been brought up in eight separate parliamentary debates, including with the foreign minister Maria Malmer Stenergard and minister for development cooperation Benjamin Dousa,” said Svanberg. “Importantly, politicians from across the political spectrum have spoken to us about the the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel, and the churches’ work for peace and justice at large being important.” The programme in Sweden has also seen support from civil society in Israel and Palestine. A number of partner organisations in the field submitted an op-ed in a major Swedish newspaper about how the effectiveness of their work with protective presence is also dependent on the professional experience of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel. Saying goodbye As they take their leave, Bäcklund and Svanberg do so with heavy hearts coupled with gratitude.   “I feel blessed and grateful to have had the privilege to meet so many fantastic, skilled, and dedicated persons,” said Bäcklund. “The real privilege is to see this amazing range of people who want to dedicate their time and skills to this programme as ecumenical accompaniers, and how they are themselves transformed through the experience,” said Svanberg. “Like for myself, it is difficult not to become a lifelong advocate for peace and justice in Palestine and Israel after having been an ecumenical accompanier. I am proud that we as national coordinators have been a small part of that process.” Bäcklund added that the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel is a long-lasting and proven model.  “There is an almost unbroken chain of ecumenical accompaniers handing over to each other,” she said. “With that said, I have also seen that the programme has become more efficient and professional over time.” Now, added Bäcklund, other human rights organizations turn to the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel for advice and education in how to practice effective and safe protective presence. “During the years the situation on the ground has worsened,” she said. “Ecumenical accompaniers are now witnessing more violence and hardships affecting the people they are accompanying.” This violent reality has also led to changes in the way the programme can operate, to make both ecumenical accompaniers and the persons they are accompanying, as safe as possible.  As for what’s next, Bäcklund and Svanberg are still thinking about it. “I haven’t really accepted that we have to pause the programme when it is needed the most,” said Bäcklund. “But I am sure that I will carry on trying to contribute to making this world a better place. I just have to figure out how and in what capacity.” Svanberg is starting a period of parental leave with his now 10-month old son. “After that, the future is not yet clear,” he said. “However, it will definitely involve continued advocacy for justice and equality one way or the other.”  Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel 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 Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

WCC News: WCC urges swift deliberations from Constitutional Court of Korea to restore confidence in rule of law

In a letter to His Honour Justice Moon Hyung-bae, acting president of the Constitutional Court of Korea, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay reiterated the WCC’s advocacy for the rule of law as a key constraint on abuses of political or economic power. At the Odusan Unification Observatory. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC 02 April 2025 “Courts and legal tribunals at both national and international levels carry a solemn responsibility for adjudication of the law and for ensuring legal accountability for actions that threaten these values,” said Pillay. “Moreover, the WCC has a long history of working with and supporting churches and civil society partners in the Republic of Korea in their efforts for human rights and democracy and against military dictatorship.” Pillay noted that the WCC is closely following the current proceedings in the Constitutional Court of Korea regarding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.  “Indeed, in considering this matter, the Constitutional Court of Korea carries responsibility for a matter of profound and pivotal significance for the present and future of democracy and the rule of law in the Republic of Korea,” wrote Pillay. “It is inevitable that prolonged decisions on important matters would lead to chaos and the destabilisation of the country.” Pillay appealed to Justice Moon Hyung-bae to be swift in concluding deliberations, and through a ruling to restore confidence in the future of democracy and the rule of law in the Republic of Korea. “We continue to remember the people of South Korea in our prayers for peace and wisdom,” concluded Pillay.  Read the WCC letter to the Constitutional Court of Korea 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 Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

WCC Media Advisory: WCC invites media to open new resource on legal tools for climate justice

The World Council of Churches (WCC) invites media representatives to the opening event of “Hope for Children Through Climate Justice,” a new resource that provides legal tools designed to hold financial actors accountable for their role in perpetuating the climate crisis, on 9 April at 2 pm at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 02 April 2025 Developed by the Churches’ Commitments to Children programme of the WCC, the resource aims to equip people of faith and partners in WCC’s global constituency with the knowledge on climate litigation, a rapidly growing and impactful way of addressing the climate crisis and protect the rights of young people and future generations. The launch event will include examples of legal action by faith communities, time for questions and answers, and information on how clients of Swiss banks and pension funds can help halt the financing of fossil fuel expansion.  The opening event of the handbook will take place on 9 April at 2 pm, at the Ecumenical Centre, Kyoto Building, Chemin du Pommier 42, Geneva (Salle Jura, second floor). We will learn about the opportunities for effective acceleration of climate solutions through legal action by churches and partners, as well as about future online training sessions on the new resource for climate justice. Please join us - to register or RSVP, please email: media@wcc-coe.org.   Publication "Hope for Children Through Climate Justice: Legal Tools to Hold Financiers Accountable" WCC publishes resource on legal tools for climate justice (WCC news story, 24 March 2025) On BBC Sunday show, WCC highlights "Hope for Children Through Climate Justice” (WCC news story, 01 April 2025) 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 Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

"Unwavering in our hope for a better world": Uniting Church launches 2025 'Our Vision for a Just Australia' resource 🙏🇦🇺

A resource from the Uniting Church in Australia ahead of the 2025 Federal Election The Uniting Church in Australia launches Our Vision for a Just Australia

Expressing our hopes for a just, compassionate, inclusive and courageous nation The Uniting Church Assembly is delighted to share an update of the Uniting Church resource Our Vision for a Just Australia, released today ahead of the 2025 Federal Election. The document, covering seven foundational areas, expresses our hopes for Australia to be a nation that is just, compassionate, inclusive and courageous. Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli writes in the introduction: "As followers of Christ, we are called to be bold in love, relentless in justice, and unwavering in our hope for a better world. The Uniting Church has always stood for a society where all people can flourish—where justice is lived, creation is cherished, and every person is treated with dignity and respect." "This resource is an invitation to engage prayerfully and faithfully with the issues that matter, upholding the values we cherish as a Church. This is not about endorsing political parties but about embodying Christ’s love in the political process—asking hard questions, advocating with compassion, and holding leaders accountable to the values of justice, mercy, and love." The statement is a collaboration of those engaged in working for justice across the Uniting Church's Synods and agencies. It articulates the hopes and vision of the UCA in seven areas. It outlines key actions we believe should be taken by governments and the wider community to bring about communities of justice and flourishing. The Uniting Church Assembly has produced a number of resources to help you engage with the Vision: A launch video, which can be used to introduce the resource. The full resource, to encourage deep thinking and conversations. Report Cards, one for each foundation, which summarise and focus the issues as a tool to engage local MPs and community leaders. See the resources

Keep up to date with the Assembly by subscribing to National Update and following us on Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky. Copyright © 2025 Uniting Church in Australia, All rights reserved.

MLP April 2025 Newsletter!

In This Issue *Staff Update: A note from Claudia, Jesy, and Teddy *Upcoming Events *WELCOME OUR NEW CHURCHES! *A word from our partners *MLP Merch! *Donate Today

From Director of Engagement: Claudia Aguilar Rubaclava

“What can we do? How can we help?”These are the two questions I have heard lately from many of you. And while I have a list of things you can help us with and things you can do, I want to remind you that our work is more like making a mole (the delicious Mexican sauce made with over 40 ingredients over a long period of time) and less like going to Taco Bell where you get your taco shell and you’re done. Our work is like slow food, so the best thing you can do is to prepare your mise en place: learn all you can about LGBTQIA+ people, the definitions, the challenges, the legislations being brought forth, the theologies. Listen to the voices of the most marginalized among us. When you do that, get cooking: start changing your community’s policies to reflect God’s love for and embrace of all, make sure people are paid fairly, advocate at the city and state level, create safe places for people to be (and pee). And when the dish is ready, share the food with strangers and friends. That’s how everyone gets fed.  Below (under Want to Help Us?) you can find some ways to share this heavenly meal we call love. From whatever stage you are in.  -Claudia

From Director of Operations: Jesy Littlejohn

Can inclusive and affirming churches continue to grow? Yes. Not only can they continue, they should never stop trying to grow. I just don't mean in numbers. Our traditional metrics of growth (money, butts in seats, programs) don't always serve us well.  We should always be striving to learn more, do better, love harder and more expansively. The little things matter.  I have been out as Trans and Gender Non-Binary since 2017. I have used They/Them pronouns since 2017. Being misgendered is regular occurrence for me. I don't like it, but I also understand that among those who don't know me it is a fact of life. Societally, we have not shifted away from assumption. What bothers me, however, is that even among places that practice inclusivity and affirmation — even among MLP churches —assumption is still the default. In my home church, which I have been attending since 2013, I have lived openly and fully as myself for 12 years. I was married in this church to my wife (we were the first LGBTQIA+ couple to be wed on the property). My children were baptized in this church. When I affirmed my identity and legally changed my name, my pastor at the time performed a re-naming service and an anointing. I was surrounded by my congregation, loved and seen. I have been out as non-binary/trans for 8 years at this church, and I am loved. AND of this congregation, I can count on one hand how many of them use the correct pronouns for me. I have wrestled with this for years. I have made corrections, my wife and pastor and some other members have made corrections and still, little there's been little to no change. I don't believe it is malicious, and yet it is still hard. I notice the tension in myself most often when I have the opportunity to worship or preach in new places, and if I am misgendered it is so quickly and publicly corrected and received. I don't say this to shame my church — I love my church. These people are my family. And still even among those with whom we are most familiar, most cared for, there is always opportunities for growth and learning.  In times such as these, it is always best to listen to those who are asking for help, asking for change, who are naming when harm is being done. When we are trying to determine where we should go or what we need to do, it's best to turn to those who are saying "there is opportunity for us to do things differently, be better, love more." Are we listening? -Jesy

From our Intern: Teddy Brock

I was speaking with a friend on a day she was feeling particularly hopeless (days we all have right now). In the moment, there was nothing really to do except sit with my friend in her hopelessness. Time will do its work. Time will heal us…or at least heal us to a place where we can continue to fight. It made me think about how we survive and take care of ourselves, and others, in this time. The answer comes back to small acts of resistance for me. I believe having the awareness of the small acts is important in collective resistance but also in an individual's health in the current political climate. These moments can be small: getting out of bed in the morning, writing a card to congress, reaching out to friends and loved ones to check in. Right now the goal is to deprive us of hope and love, and every one of these actions is spreading hope and love. Acts of resistance. Sometimes we need to sit in hopelessness for a little bit. I have to remind myself it is ok to do so. We need to grieve the time we are living under an oppressive administration. But once time has done its holy magic, I hope to keep taking time to do my makeup, put on jewelry, and wear the clothes that make me feel expansive. It isn’t just healthy for me, but may just make someone else realize they can do the same. This is a way that love spreads. This is a way that resistance spreads.  Teddy

Upcoming Events! April 6-9: MLP board retreat in Denver, CO. Join the MLP board on April 8 at 5:30 pm at Lady Justice Brewing (3242 S Acoma St. Englewood, CO 80110) for drinks and hors d'oeuvres. RSVP at hello@mlp.org and if you are one of the first 5 people, your first drink is on us.  April 14th at 10 am: Collective of Queer Christian Leaders Rally in DC. Join people of faith from many faith traditions, from many backgrounds as we seek to create a safe and just world for all. You can register here.  Ongoing: Presbyteries are voting on Polity Amendments 24A and 24 C. Amendment 24A has passed! Yay! We still need a several more for 24C to pass! We hosted a webinar in collaboration with Covenant Network to answer frequently asked questions. Watch it here.

Welcome our newest ministries   Rejoice with us as we welcome new ministries to the MLP network! At the end of each quarter, we will list our newest members so you can shower them with love.    Mt Hebron Presbyterian Church - Ellicott City, MD The Table NWC - Wilmington, NC Wingspan ILM - Wilmington, NC Southminster Presbyterian Church - Arlington Heights, IL Kenmore Presbyterian Church - Buffalo, NY

Support our partners at the office of the General Assembly, the office of Christian Formation and Presbyterian Publishing to complete the survey to help  to study and formulate a plan for the future development of Reformed, Christian educational resources for faith formation and nurture, especially for congregational use.

kin·dom camp is an opportunity for LBGTQIA+ youth ages 12-17 to feel safe and free to show up as their full selves. Campers have the chance to experience all the fun that camp has to offer in a week filled with affirmation, community, and celebration.   This camp is affirming – full stop. It affirms all genders, sexualities, identities, abilities, and varieties of belief. The only thing we expect is a commitment to welcoming and celebrating everyone where they are, as they are. Our 2025 camp dates are June 15-20 in Illinois and July 20-25 in Nevada and Texas. Keep up with us @kindomcommunity on Facebook and Instagram for camp registration information and other news!

Our collective wisdom and knowledge can take us farther than what we can do on our own. You can help us this month in a few ways: *Read Tomorrow Will Be Different by Presbyterian Congresswoman Sarah McBride. *Donate! We educate individuals and congregations, offer pastoral care to queer people and the ones who love them, we guide congregations as they seek to discern best steps, we advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community in our denomination and in the public arena. We can’t do it without your help. *In light of recent political developments, the number of LGBTQIA+ couples seeking to get married has increased. More Light Presbyterians is compiling a list of queer and queer-affirming clergy willing to officiate wedding ceremonies and preach at MLP congregations on short notice. Please spread the word widely within your networks. If you are in need of an officiant, please contact us at hello@mlp.org indicating your location and the date of the ceremony.  *Do you have Pride pictures? Keep them coming! Please email them to hello@mlp.org  *We are trying to collect a list of all of our former board members to create an MLP alumni group. Have you served on our board or do you know someone who has served on our board? Send us an email or fill out this form and someone will be in touch soon. *Has your congregation paid dues this year? If not, you may submit them here.Your dues help us do this work.

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