WCC NEWS: On Valentine’s Day, how does love heal?

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is sending messages about love with a Thursdays in Black Valentine’s Day campaign based on the theme “Love heals when…” One of a set of social cards available for download in time for Valentine's Day.  11 February 2026 In short video messages and social media cards, the WCC is describing the kind of love that heals individuals, families, churches, and even entire communities.  In a special video featuring young people, Angelisah Khan, from Trinidad and Tobago described this love as “when mercy overcomes judgment” and “when truth is spoken in grace.” Laura Gomez, from Colombia, said this kind of love “moves from a feeling into actions,” and occurs “when we listen deeply and stand up for justice.” Laquitissa Tesco, from Mozambique, said “love heals when it brings a sense of belonging” and when “our differences are not more important than our similarities.”  Among other aspects of love, the social media cards reflect that “Perfect love removes fear.” Rev. Nicole Ashwood, WCC programme executive for a Just Community of Women and Men encouraged people to share these messages, and to initiate conversations in their homes, churches, and neighborhoods about the kind of love that heals.  “True love heals our hearts, minds, and souls,” said Ashwood. “It is grounded in truth and in our Christian faith.” Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Life, Justice, and Peace, reflected that love is also connected to courage and hope. “As Christians, we love one another with a sense of gratitude for the way in which God loves us, infinitely and unconditionally,” he said. “A love that heals is also directly connected to our actions within our churches, communities, and throughout the world. This love compels us to confront injustice, to stand with the oppressed, and to work relentlessly for the dignity of all people. It is not passive affection but a justice-oriented force that transforms systems, breaks down walls, and restores what has been broken.” Social cards for Valentine's Day 2026 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