WCC news: WCC, Swiss Protestant Churches unite in fight for justice in Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh

Armenian Christians are under siege with the destruction of religious, cultural, and historical heritage in Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh, and the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Swiss Protestant Churches have pledged to continue fighting for justice in the area. From right to left: Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary, Rev. Rita Famos, President of the Protestant Church in Switzerland, H.E. Archbishop Dr Vicken Aykazian, vice moderator, WCC Central Committee, and Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of communication.  Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 28 May 2025 In partnership with the Protestant Church in Switzerland, the WCC convened on 27 and 28 May, an Armenian Heritage Conference. They issued an urgent call for immediate action to the international community at a press conference during the event. Rev. Rita Famos, president of the Protestant Church in Switzerland, noted at a press conference that the situation in the Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh region had been highlighted in the Swiss Parliament. She urged inter-religious dialogue to reach compromises. "From a Swiss perspective, this is significant,” said Famos. “As a neutral country with a tradition of humanitarian engagement, Switzerland can play a connecting role – bringing together different governments and encouraging them to take active responsibility," said the Swiss Protestant leader. "That idea of using neutrality not as a position of distance, but to build bridges for concrete action,” was the message of the parliamentarians. Diverse views Famos said, “The first thing we have to learn from each other is to listen,” and bring together people of diverse views. WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay said, "The key thing that the World Council of Churches has always been engaged in is the awareness aspect. "Because there are a lot of people suffering in the world that other people are not mindful of, but not only just the awareness, but also trying to establish the facts in those situations because very often distorted stories or misinformation or disinformation is communicated," said Pillay. He said, "Awareness and advocacy is what we have always been working on," noting that the next phase is "moving government structures" and people with power and authority to be making a difference, speaking about justice and peace. He cautioned that nationalist influences influence many churches, but noted the strong role of united churches at the same time. If the churches lived by the Gospel consistently, they would have a huge influence, said Pillay. "In times of polarization, it's essential that we do not become part of the division but instead act as bridges – listening, building trust, and speaking from a place of moral conviction," said the general secretary. "We must also work together across churches, faiths, and regions. That unity gives strength and credibility. And we must be present: locally engaged, politically aware, and globally connected.” Not about power "In the end," he said, "it's not about power – it's about persistence, compassion, and courage." Also at the press conference were Archbishop Dr Vicken Aykazian, vice moderator of the WCC central committee; Dr Luis Moreno Ocampo, former first chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court; and Rev. Rita Famos, president of the Protestant Church in Switzerland. The predominantly Armenian-populated region of Nagorno-Karabakh was claimed by both Azerbaijan and Armenia. The Conference on the Preservation of Armenian Religious, Cultural, and Historical Heritage in Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh was held on 27 and 28 May in Bern, where the Swiss parliament is located. Archbishop Dr Vicken Aykazian stated that the conference in Bern was a continuation of work on Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh, building on the efforts begun the previous year. "We sometimes forget the power of prayer" to help bring peace to the area, he said, urging unity. He said what is happening in the area is not only about the suffering of Armenians but also of other people, such as Kurds, and he praised the late Pope Francis for speaking out on the region. Dr Luis Moreno Ocampo said the world should not give up in the fight against injustices. Learn more about the Armenian Heritage Conference As Armenian Heritage Conference opens, “we are not here to be bystanders” (WCC news release, 27 May 2025) Watch the recording of the press conference Photo gallery 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: Nordic churches express solidarity with those suffering in Gaza

Nordic churches—including the those in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland and Finland—have released statements calling for restoring the ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, releasing hostages, delivering food and medicine to Gaza, and ending violence against the Palestinian population of the West Bank. Gaza. File Photo: courtesy of DSPR-MECC 28 May 2025 A statement from Bishops' Conference of the Church of Norway, said that we cannot remain silent when individuals are stripped of their humanity. “We are disturbed by, and condemn, the unfolding events in Gaza,” reads the statement. “We hear the call from our Palestinian brothers and sisters in faith, urging us as a church to rise up against the abuses taking place before our eyes.” The National Council of Churches in Denmark, also in a statement, called for an end to hostilities and access to humanitarian aid. “The National Council of Churches in Denmark wishes to express its deepest compassion for both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples,” the statement reads. “We are appalled by the renewed acts of war in Israel and Palestine, which we believe go far beyond proportional response.” The statement reiterates calls for an end to hostilities and an end to the killing of civilians, the release of hostages, and the opening of access for humanitarian aid to Gaza. “As Christian churches, we proclaim the gospel that God has created all people with the same infinite worth,” reads the statement. “This must be reflected in a framework that ensures peace, security, equal rights, and living conditions for all.” The Bishops of the Church of Sweden, in a statement, declared that the war has long since gone beyond all reasonable proportionality. “For the sake of Palestine, Israel, and the whole world, we urge the government of Israel to use the opportunity of the powerful to stop the violence in Gaza and the West Bank,” the statement reads. “We call upon the international community, the EU, and the Swedish government to step up their efforts to save lives. All human beings are created in God's image and have equal value and dignity.” In joint statement from their annual meeting, taking place this year on 22-23 May, the 27 member churches of the Christian Council of Sweden urged respect for human dignity as well as international law. “We join the global ecumenical movement in calling for an immediate ceasefire, for humanitarian aid to be allowed access without delay, and for all hostages to be released,” the statement reads. “It is time for God’s peace. We pray for it and want to continue to work for it, in Gaza and all of Palestine, in Israel and in the world at large,” they conclude. Bishops in Finland also appealed for peace, an immediate ceasefire, and a lifting of the blockade. “The human catastrophe is extreme,” the statement reads. “More than a million people are estimated to be malnourished and for almost half a million of them the situation is critical.” Icelandic bishops stress the moral responsibility to speak and act: “Violence… can never bring resolution—violence itself is the problem.” Representatives of local churches and nongovernmental organizations in Uppsala also published a “Declaration regarding the Plight of the Palestinian People,” specially formulated during the Ecumenical Year 2025, “A Time for God’s Peace,” 1700 years after the formation of the Nicene Creed began.  Churches and organizations supporting Palestinian Christians gathered under the theme “Time for God’s Peace – Palestinian Perspectives.” Nearly 200 people came together to hear the stories of Palestinian Christians. “We are an integral part of the Palestinian people,” reads the declaration.  “We confess that all life, all people, all land, all vegetation, all seas and waters are gifts from God,” reads the declaration. “Earth, sea, and land belong to no one.” All have the right, as children of God, to call the earth their home, the declaration reads. “No one has the right to drive the Palestinian people— or any other people—from their homes,” reads the text. “We profess our faith in Jesus Christ, master of the way of nonviolence, the path to justice, peace, and reconciliation.” The declaration came out of a gathering during which churches hosted Palestinian Christians with roots in Gaza.  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

EarthBeat Weekly: After 10 years, what is the Laudato Si' legacy?

After 10 years, what is the Laudato Si' legacy? A copy of the encyclical "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home," at Pope Francis' funeral in St. Peter's Square on April 26, 2025 (Tomás Insua) As Laudato Si' Week 2025 comes to a close, the encyclical's impact over the past decade is undeniable. "Ten years ago, Pope Francis signed the Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’, devoted to care for our common home," said Pope Leo XIV in his post-Regina Caeli remarks last Sunday (May 25). "It has had an extraordinary impact, inspiring countless initiatives and teaching everyone to listen to the twofold cry of the Earth and of the poor. I greet and encourage the Laudato Si’ movement and all those who carry on this commitment." The Laudato Si' Movement U.S. Advocacy Working Group said in an op-ed at EarthBeat this week that Laudato Si' "was perhaps the first encyclical to inspire a global grassroots movement … Across the United States, many people have become passionate advocates and evangelists for the care of our common home." "Laudato Si' has opened for me new understanding, connections for prayer and advocacy," commented Holy Spirit Missionary Sr. Rose Therese Nolta. "It grounded me in my work on the environment by giving a spiritual context for it," said Nancy Lorence, leader of Metro New York Catholic Climate Movement, one of LSM's first chapters. "It became my 'north star.' " "One impact Laudato Si' has had on me is that I am more active in my parish," said Glen Miller of Newark, New Jersey. "I saw it as a call to create a Creation Care Team and lead fellow parishioners to do small acts in response to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor. I spend much more time actively engaged in our parish than before." Adam Fitzpatrick, Minnesota LSM Chapter co-leader and social mission outreach coordinator for the Center for Mission serving the Archdiocese of Minneapolis-St. Paul, said, "Laudato Si' has served as a foundation for how I operate as a leader in Catholic spaces and has acutely drawn my attention to the interconnection of how different social crises are all affected by each other."  Read more: For 10 years, Laudato Si' motivates grassroots Catholic climate activists I hear many people wondering what the next decade of Laudato Si'-inspired work might look like, and expressing their hopes for the future of Catholic teaching — and action — on care for creation. In the eyes of Tomás Insua, the co-founder and former executive director for 10 years of Laudato Si' Movement, "Laudato Si' set in motion a powerful undercurrent that is sweeping through the ocean. Or, rather, it dramatically accelerated an undercurrent that was already underway." "The theology and spirituality of Laudato Si' are beginning to permeate the ethos of the massive family known as the Catholic Church. That is the powerful undercurrent in the ocean. Slowly but steadily, creation is gaining more attention in Christian spirituality, theology, liturgy and catechesis, with countless books and initiatives underway. Creation Day on Sept. 1, in particular, stands out for its potential to become a liturgical feast in many Christian churches, grounded in ancient and rich symbolism in the Eastern Church. Gradually but decisively, this 'ecological conversion' unfolds. The rediscovery of the notion of God as Creator and of this world as a sacred gift will bear abundant fruit for decades — perhaps centuries — to come. Without a doubt, Laudato Si' will prove to be as transformative as Rerum Novarum in the 19th century, when Leo XIII opened the fruitful chapter of Catholic social teaching," said Insua in a commentary for EarthBeat. He continued, "Let us continue walking with Pope Leo XIV in writing this next chapter, which is already off to a promising start. Now that Francis of Rome has recently joined Francis of Assisi in standing face to face with God, let us honor their love for creation by uplifting their wisdom and turning it into action." Read more: Laudato Si': A drop in the ocean or a powerful oceanic undercurrent? It's up to us.     What else is new on EarthBeat: Here's how 10 US dioceses have embraced Laudato Si' by NCR Staff In the 10 years since Pope Francis released Laudato Si', dioceses across the United States have responded to varying degrees to the encyclical's call to care for the planet and its people. Here are 10 of those stories.   Laudato Si' called all to climate action, but omitted women from the conversation by Christiana Zenner "The women problem" in Laudato Si' is nothing new. The failure to centralize, regard and learn from women and their experiences abounds in Catholic theology and ecclesial realities. In the next decade, the church must fill this gap.   Dan Horan on Laudato Si' at 10: Touch the earth right in front of you by Daniel P. Horan If we only think on cosmic scales, everything becomes too overwhelming to consider or tackle," writes Dan Horan.    Supreme Court rejects plea to halt copper mine on Arizona land sacred to Apaches by Mark Sherman, Associated Press The Supreme Court rejected an appeal from Apaches who want to stop the transfer of Oak Flat federal land to Resolution Copper, which plans to mine what it says is the second-largest known copper deposit in the world.   Tourism must respect, care for creation, workers, Vatican official says by Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service During the Holy Year, the Vatican is calling for those involved in tourism to make Christian hope concrete by investing in just and sustainable practices.   Through plants, I learn to listen to God in Kichwa by Jenny Castañeda, Translated by Helga Leija Sr. Jenny Castañeda believes that her "wounded Indigenous identity" does not need perfection but recognition.    What's happening in other climate news: US woman brings first-ever wrongful death lawsuit against big oil —Dharna Noor for The Guardian Trump plan could offload hundreds of national park sites to states —Heather Richards for E&E News From EVs to HVAC, clean energy means jobs in Central Illinois —Kari Lydersen for Canary Media $14 billion in clean energy projects have been canceled in the US this year, analysis says —Alexa St. John and Isabella O'Malley for the Associated Press Supreme Court backs a controversial railroad in Utah for carrying oil —Lisa Song for Inside Climate News A journalist was killed while writing a book on the Amazon. Here's how friends completed his work —Fabiano Maisonnave for the Associated Press A Swiss village is buried after a glacier collapses in the Alps —Eleanor Beardsley for NPR   Final Beat: Laudato Si' Week may be ending, but EarthBeat's encyclical anniversary coverage is not!  One way we'll continue to mark the occasion throughout the coming weeks and months is by revisiting some of our past articles with a series of "Laudato Si' 10 for 10" lists. This week, we started with a list of 10 U.S. dioceses that have embraced the teachings of Laudato Si' to varying degrees. Coming soon are lists of what 10 bishops have said about Laudato Si', how 10 universities have integrated Laudato Si' into their campuses, 10 Laudato Si' lifestyle changes Catholics have made in their own homes, and more. These lists aren't meant to be exhaustive, but rather to give a peak into the impact of Pope Francis' landmark encyclical on the environment and human ecology and its living legacy that continues to unfold. Thanks for reading EarthBeat. Stephanie Clary Environment Editor National Catholic Reporter sclary@ncronline.org     Featured Advertisers   Looking to Hire? Offering Retreats? Selling Books? Place an Ad in NCR's Online Classified Section for Only $75 per Month!   Advertisement

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Truth and Action Roundup 5.30.25

View this email in your browser Welcome to the Truth and Action Roundup, a reliable weekly source of information, inspiration, and action for the second Trump administration. Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up here to continue receiving it. Today is Friday, May 30, and we’re continuing to monitor the changes wrought by the Trump administration. Sunday marked five years since George Floyd was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis, igniting worldwide protests that were often described at the time as a racial reckoning. Initially, many had hope that the moment would generate the necessary momentum to enact broad societal change to dismantle racist policing and social structures. In the years since, such efforts have increasingly had to contend with backlash and retrenchment on racial justice issues from many parts of the private sector and the current administration. The shift in public attitudes on racial issues also proved disappointingly temporary. As we look to the future, let’s recommit to the hard but essential work of racial justice as a central tenet of our Christian faith. — Rev. Adam Taylor, Sojourners In the News Here’s what’s been happening this week: 1) The U.S. Court of International Trade blocked most of Donald Trump’s tariffs on Wednesday, ruling unanimously that he lacks the authority to impose the tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. That was the justification Trump used to put the tariffs in place. The Trump administration immediately announced its intention to appeal the ruling. 2) Five years after George Floyd’s murder, efforts to reform policing continue to face major setbacks. The Justice Department announced last week that it would drop its police accountability agreements with Minneapolis — where George Floyd was murdered — and Louisville, and close investigations into police departments in Phoenix, Memphis, and Oklahoma City, retracting the government’s previous conclusions that those departments violated the Constitution. These developments mirror a broader retreat from racial justice efforts across the public and private sectors in recent years. 3) As Elon Musk departs his official administration role, DOGE’s work will continue, with harmful impacts on federal workers and communities in the United States and around the world. Though Musk’s claims to have cut government spending have been significantly inflated, the impacts of more than 250,000 federal workers being fired or taking incentives to leave their jobs are only beginning to be felt. DOGE’s decimation of foreign aid continues to have devastating impacts in communities on the ground, despite administration claims to the contrary. 4) Trump administration officials such as Stephen Miller and Kristi Noem are pushing ICE to be even more aggressive, demanding in a recent meeting that ICE triple its daily arrests nationwide. The administration has reportedly set a goal of 1 million deportations per year during Trump’s second term. Take Action Join us at the U.S. Capitol for a Pentecost witness for a moral budget! On June 10, we will gather for a public procession and vigil in defense of programs that protect society’s most vulnerable people. We will gather in partnership with national and local faith organizations. Take Action: Tell your Senators to save SNAP now! The budget reconciliation bill that the House passed last week puts millions at risk of going hungry by slashing food assistance for nearly 11 million people, including 4 million children. That is not just policy—it is a moral failure. Now is the time to act. Attend Faithful Conversations: Leading in Divided times, a webinar hosted by SojoAction that will wrestle with the question, “Why hasn’t the American church made more progress in addressing racism?” Panelists Dr. J. Derek McNeil, Jimmy McGee, Dr. Jemar Tisby, and Rebecca Wheeler Walston, Esq. will discuss the history of racism in the American church and its current struggles. What We’re Reading and Watching Why Do So Many Christians Fall For Conspiracy Theories? | Zack Mack, who is a podcast producer and storyteller, hosts a three-part series about his father falling down the conspiracy rabbit hole and the effect it has on his family. Mack’s dad, who is a Christian, was certain that his predictions were ironclad. (By Josiah R. Daniels) How to Keep Showing up Without Burning Out | A spiritual elder offers eight reminders to help you stay rooted as you follow your call. (By Wesley Granberg-Michaelson) Born With Two Strikes | How systemic racism shaped George Floyd’s life and hobbled his ambition. From the Washington Post. (By Toluse Olorunnipa and Griff White) Deep Breaths  It’s funny how time changes perspective. For instance, younger me used to look at the disciples and think, “Get it together, guys” as they seemed to ask all the wrong questions and made what to me appeared to be all the wrong choices. Now that I’m a little older, their confusion makes way more sense to me. In the month after Jesus’ resurrection the scriptures tell us that Jesus appeared, randomly, to encourage his followers and show them he was indeed alive. It must have been a fearful and perplexing time: they were hoping for Jesus to establish an earthly kingdom and put an end to corruption, greed, and injustice. Of course they ask, “Is this the time you’ll establish your kingdom?” Jesus’ responds by telling them to wait for the Holy Spirit to empower them and to be witnesses in the place where they are, the places around them (even the ones they tend to avoid), and really to the whole world (Acts. 1:1-11). No wonder that upon his ascension they stood staring into the sky. “Wait, what?” These days, I, too, look to the skies and wonder, “Is this the time?” because we could use a little divine intervention. Like the disciples, we are well acquainted with the impact of oppression, corruption, and greed. We long for Jesus to come with righteousness and justice. The truth is, I’m not very patient when it comes to waiting. I often read the news and find myself saying, “How long, O Lord?” echoing the cries of God’s people through the ages. Like our ancestors before us, we are waiting for God to show up and make all things new. The real question is, how will we wait? We often think of waiting as a passive endeavor — maybe binge watching something or reading to kill time. But waiting as people of faith has always taken an active posture, more like the notion of waiting tables. We actively look for ways to serve, support, and engage in activities that make a difference. As we wait with anticipation, may we all look for ways to engage. Call your representative, make a meal at a shelter, and offer assistance to refugees in your community. Show up and connect. God is where God’s people are, after all, and Jesus is present in the small but significant ways we wait for him to return and set things right. — Rev. Andrea Saccoccio, Director of Congregational Engagement and Outreach, Sojourners The Truth and Action Roundup is compiled by Sojourners staff: President: Rev. Adam Russell Taylor Senior Research Associate: J.K. Granberg-Michaelson Senior Adviser and Director to the President’s Office: Elizabeth Denlinger Reaves Chief Program and Impact Officer: Bryan Epps Political Director: Chad V. Stanton Director of Congregational Outreach & Education: Rev. Andrea Saccoccio Mobilizing and Policy Assistant: Miriam Tellez Senior Director of Marketing: Sandra Sims

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