WCC news: WCC to cohost “Prophetic Witness for Life, Justice, and Peace” conference and seminars in southern Africa

The World Council of Churches (WCC), in collaboration with the Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Africa and the South African Council of Churches, is organizing from 12-16 June a conference and seminars inspired by the centenary of the 1925 Life and Work inaugural conference, which emphasized the church’s role in addressing social, political, and economic injustices. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/WCC 10 June 2025 In response to the urgent social, economic, and political challenges in southern Africa, the conference will equip churches with theological and strategic tools to engage in prophetic witness, drawing from the kairos theological tradition and nonviolent resistance strategies. The conference and seminars will seek to critically analyse contemporary challenges threatening life, justice, and peace in Southern Africa; and strengthen churches' prophetic engagement by revisiting the kairos critique and nonviolent resistance strategies. Participants will include representatives from national councils of churches in southern Africa, WCC central committee members from Africa, representatives from the All Africa Conference of Churches, and partners and invited guests with expertise in the thematic areas. Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Life, Justice, and Peace, emphasized the urgency of the initiative: “Southern Africa is facing converging crises—from rising deepening inequalities, ecological destruction, and violent conflict related to electoral processes. There are also opportunities due to the region's young population, rich natural resources, and good soils for agriculture. This gathering seeks to revive the spirit of the ecumenical movement’s prophetic tradition, equipping churches to act decisively for justice, peace, and the fullness of life for all.” Learn more about this event 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