WCC NEWS: WCC publishes “HIV, Migration, and Forced Displacement: What Can the Churches Do?”

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has published “HIV, Migration, and Forced Displacement: What Can the Churches Do?” by Sue Parry. Sculture « Mélancolie » by Albert György in Geneva. Photo: Sue Parry 26 August 2025 The manual includes a technical briefing summarizing the scope of the issue; a section on living our faith with practical applications; and theological resources.  “The reality of migration and forced displacement challenges us as Christians to become more informed and knowledgeable, to find appropriate ways to practically respond, and to welcome the stranger among us,” the introduction to the manual explains. “This manual has been developed as a tool to help churches, religious leaders, and faith communities broaden their understanding of some of the issues at stake and explore how and where we can best respond.” This manual is one of a series of four cover existing knowledge gaps in the faith sector working on HIV. “We live in an age of migration,” said Parry “It is a growing reality that cannot be ignored, as it represents people forced to make difficult decisions that completely change their lives. They are people in need, and they are our neighbours— they are us.” In one month, the WCC will organize a webinar with key discussants and experts in the topic, and with experiences of local congregations working on migration and HIV. “Furthermore, WCC will train religious leaders and diverse communities in the content of this manual in Nicaragua and Bolivia this year, and in India and other countries in 2026,” added Ross. Future manuals will cover HIV and mental health, followed by manuals on HIV prevention and HIV among young people. This publication was made possible through grants from Evangelische Mission Welweit-EMW (Association of Protestant Churches and Missions in Germany). Read the manual 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 356 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