WCC NEWS: “Caring for the Earth, Transforming Lives” event will explore links between faith and natural regeneration

A day-long seminar on 12 May, offered in a hybrid format, will help churches and faith-based communities respond more effectively to the challenges of environmental degradation and climate change. Photo: Sean Hawkey/Life on Earth 27 April 2023 Entitled “Caring for the Earth, Transforming Lives: Linking Faith & Natural Regeneration,” the event will be held at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva as well as online. Participants will explore the ways in which nature has a remarkable regenerative, self-healing capacity. Then they will consider questions such as: How do we encourage our societies to work with, rather than against nature? What practical examples can we learn from, encourage, and amplify?  The workshop will begin with reflections and devotions from several faith traditions. After that, the stage will be set for input from initiatives that foster natural regeneration in various forms—sustainable food systems, reforestation, and other land-related actions that improve livelihoods, promote climate mitigation, and adaptation resilience, soil erosion prevention, conservation agriculture, and safeguarding biodiversity. Among the speakers is Australian agronomist Tony Rinaudo, who received the 2018 Right Livelihood Award for developing a technique that helps regrow trees in places where forests had been chopped down. He pioneered a technique called Farmer Managed Natural, (FMNR) a low-cost land restoration technique used to combat poverty and hunger amongst poor subsistence farmers by increasing food and timber production and resilience to climate extremes. He has inspired farmers to carry on this work and the method has been adopted in several countries around the world, including in West Africa, where Rinaudo worked for almost two decades as a missionary. Today, 18 million hectares of dry land have been restored using Rinaudo’s or a related method. Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC program director for Public Witness and Diakonia, said that WCC member churches stand to gain groundbreaking knowledge and creative insights by participating in the seminar. “This collaborative discussion, which will couple cutting edge information about regeneration techniques with deeper theological reflection, could have a positive ripple effect in local churches and communities,” he said. “We look forward to opening our hearts and minds to the science, the testimonies, and the prayers of those who are regenerating the earth in many ways, from agriculture to food systems to biodiversity.” The meeting is being co-organised by the World Council of Churches, Right Livelihood, Global EverGreening Alliance, Earth Trusteeship Working Group, Health of Mother Earth Foundation, World Vision International, and OikoDiplomatique. Interpretation to Spanish, Portuguese and French will be provided. Link to Registration 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 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland

WCC News: WCC moderator speaks on ethical considerations in light of the war of aggression against Ukraine

World Council of Churches central committee moderator Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm delivered a lecture at the Kitzingen deanery, a regional church district near Würzburg, for the parishes of the deanery as well as for the public. The lecture, entitled “Just Peace through Military Force? Peace Ethical Considerations in Light of the War of Aggression against Ukraine,” was offered on 29 April 4 September 2022, Karlsruhe, Germany: Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm at the ecumenical service in the Roman Catholic Church of St. Stephan in Karlsruhe, Germany, preaching on the WCC assembly theme "Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity." Photo: Sean Hawkey/WCC 04 May 2023 “In view of the ever-increasing number of victims, in view of the vast sums that are being poured into destruction by financing this war, whether in reprehensible acts of aggression or in legitimate defence efforts, it worries me greatly that for the most part, only possible military solutions are being discussed,” he said. “The common desire to finally put an end to suffering unites all positions.” No one advocates enthusiasm for war or even militarism, he added. “There is a clear understanding that violence never creates peace, but can at best reopen spaces where it can develop,” he said. “Can the world – as the very urgent question has it – allow an autocrat who lives in his own world, misleads his people with all available propagandistic means, and on this basis wages an unscrupulous war of aggression in violation of international law, to get what he wants in the end?” Questions about ethically responsible options must be urgently asked, said Bedford-Strohm. “The Russian Orthodox Church is the largest member church of the World Council of Churches,” he noted. “Thus, it is also represented in all bodies and votes on public statements.” He further notes that this is why the statement "War in Ukraine, Peace and Justice in the European Region” of the WCC 11th Assembly, is particularly remarkable. “The Russian Orthodox delegates also supported it,” he said. “The statement, adopted without dissenting votes, speaks of the prayers focused on the people of Ukraine and the country, and of the tragic consequences they have suffered and are still suffering ‘since the Russian invasion on 24 February 2022, in addition to the thousands of casualties including many civilians in the East of the country and hundreds of thousands of refugees and displaced people since 2014.’ ” In the meantime, there have been many unofficial discussions between the churches, he said. “We do not only want to pray, but also to do our part to overcome the violence,” he said. “If only to prevent future violent conflicts, the churches must repeatedly address the absurdity of the distribution of resources between expenditures for armaments and expenditures for human development.” Every human being deserves protection from brutal military force, Bedford-Strohm reiterated. “But no less reliably, each person deserves the protection of their life by the means necessary to meet their basic needs, such as food and medicine, so that they can live a life in dignity,” he said. Full text of the lecture by Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, "Just Peace through Military Force? Peace Ethical Considerations in Light of the War of Aggression against Ukraine" 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 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland

SojoMail - Coronation, God, and empire

God Save Us From Christian Empire Adam Russell Taylor On Saturday, hundreds of millions of people are expected to watch a ceremony that hasn’t been seen in 70 years: the coronation of a British monarch. I’ll admit I’m likely to be one of them, thanks in part to my own fascination with the royal family (which grew considerably after watching Netflix’s The Crown) and that of my wife, who grew up in Jamaica and Canada, two British Commonwealth countries. In a ceremony that CNN describes as “a symbolic coming together of the monarchy, church, and state for a religious ritual,” King Charles III will vow to uphold the law and the Church of England. Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and leader of the global Anglican Communion, will then anoint Charles with oil and place a heavy crown on his head. The crowds surrounding Westminster Abbey will chant, “God save the king.” Of course, not everyone will be celebrating. A recent poll of adults in Britain found that 64 percent of respondents have little or no interest in the coronation. As people across the U.K. struggle to navigate a cost-of-living crisis, a lavish ceremony that’s estimated to cost British taxpayers tens of millions of dollars (and that’s just for security) feels downright unsavory. But what I’ll be thinking about amidst the pomp and circumstance is the global legacy of the British Empire, a legacy that includes centuries of exclusion; racism; and plundering of land, resources, and human beings on nearly every continent — a legacy that is inseparable from both the British monarchy and the church. READ THE FULL ARTICLE Forward Share

ADVERTISEMENT

Our Latest Is Blowing Up an Oil Pipeline an Act of Christian Nonviolence? (by Zachary Lee) When you destroy a death-dealer you aren’t enacting violence — you’re bringing about life. No, ‘Being Fruitful and Multiplying’ Won’t Save the Church (by Ryan Duncan) It seems that in a desperate attempt to salvage their waning numbers, many conservative Christians have elevated reproduction to a place it was never meant to occupy. ‘For I Was a Stranger and You Shot Me’ (by Cassidy Klein) Christians must oppose the spirit of fear and paranoia that makes shooting strangers so common in the U.S. The Chicago Evangelist Who Held a Gospel Revival To Stop a Strike (by Matt Bernico) Dwight L. Moody and the 1884 Haymarket Affair offer a look at what happens when Christians side with the wealthy instead of working class.

ADVERTISEMENT

From the Magazine Western Christianity Is Partly a Story of Unconfessed Conquest (by José Humphreys III) It remains vital for clergy and congregants to foster church spaces that practice a form of healing justice.

ADVERTISEMENTS

Opportunity to advocate for peacebuilding policies at the UN in New York MCC seeks a full time United Nations (UN) Advocacy Associate to help influence UN diplomats, staff, and agencies and key public audiences to advance MCC's advocacy priorities. The Advocacy Associate will also provide communications, administrative and logistical support for UN Office programs, educational events, and publications. Apply by May 18. Discovery: Lamentation and Joy in the Bible Discovery is Trinity’s education series for adults interested in how scripture and theology can inform, shape, and enrich our lives. In April and May, we’ll investigate joy and lamentation in the Bible, with a special session with Pilgrims from Greece and Rome. Sundays at 10am EST. Transforming the world through scholarship, justice, and practice Brite Divinity School’s three master’s degrees, D.Min., and Ph.D. programs offer the opportunity to reflect on embedded assumptions, ask provocative questions, and engage in genuine conversation. Learn more about Brite’s generous tuition grants and scholarships for all degree programs. Halftime Pastor Opportunity with Pilgrims Mennonite Church We are seeking a halftime pastor who is skilled at listening, counseling, teaching, and demonstrates a commitment to helping us expand our work for justice, peace, and anti-racism. Contact us at inquiry@pilgrimsmennonitechurch.org.

DONATE   SUBSCRIBE

Copyright © 2023 Sojourners, All rights reserved. Sojourners | 408 C St. NE | Washington, DC 20002 Email: sojourners@sojo.net | Tel.: 202.328.8842

Today in the Mission Yearbook - Environmental Defense Fund vice president opens Just Creation conference with insights into a beloved psalm

Witness, Share and Evangelize: Today in the Mission Yearbook - Environmental Defe...: Heather McTeer Toney says caring for Creation is ‘going to take a little bit of science, a lot of money and a whole lot of faith’ May 3, 202...

SojoAction Alert - This Mother’s Day Give a Gift that Lasts

Mamas across the U.S. are doing the best they can to provide a safe and hopeful future for their children. They deserve the best care. This Mother's Day, your Members of Congress have the power to ensure moms have what they need to thrive. Join us in asking for permanent protections for mamas.   Sign a Mother's Day Card to Congress Scripture tells us that we are to honor God’s co-creators, reminding us to “Give her the reward she has earned. Let everything she has done bring praise to her at the city gate” (Prov 31:31). As people of faith, the mandate is clear: mothers deserve more than flowers, they deserve life.  We see you, mama, breaking generational cycles so that your daughters can thrive. We see you, mamita, working hard so that your child can have new soccer shoes this season. You deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated today and every day.   That’s why this Mother’s Day we are asking Congress to gift mamas six lasting protections that will uplift their quality of life. Here’s what are asking for:  Fair Workplace Provisions. Ensure all working people have access to permanent, comprehensive paid family and medical leave and earned sick time. Most importantly, Americans deserve a raise to the minimum wage, and pay equity, regardless of gender or race.   High-Quality Child Care. Expand access to high-quality, affordable child care and pre-K in a publicly-funded, comprehensive early care system that ensures family-supporting wages for early educators and provides choices to families to meet their needs — regardless of race, zip code, ability, identity, or the language they speak.   Maternal Justice. Improve health and well-being before, during, and after pregnancy and reduce the alarming rate of maternal mortality. Protect the full range of reproductive health care, particularly for Black and brown communities and communities of color that are marginalized. Make critical investments in maternal health care that will save mom’s lives and end racial and ethnic maternal health disparities.  Just Treatment of Immigrant Families. Immigrant moms and their children contribute to our communities and economies. It’s time we also include them in our care infrastructure and remove the threats of deportation by creating pathways to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS and DED holders, essential workers, and farmworkers.   An End to Gun Violence. Every mom deserves the peace of knowing their children can come home safely. Universal background checks and bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines are common-sense laws that will make our communities safer.  Equal Rights. It's time to constitutionally guarantee gender equality and help prevent sex-based discrimination. The Equal Rights Amendment will equip Congress to pass laws that address the reality of sexual violence faced by women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.  Would you demand the gift of lasting protection with us?   Sign a Mother's Day Card to Congress Together, Sandy Sandy Ovalle Director of Campaigns and Mobilizing

Action Alert - Urge your Representative to Support Peace for the Korean Peninsula!

Support Peace in the Korean Peninsula This July marks the 70th anniversary since the signing of the armistice agreement that merely paused open warfare on the Korean Peninsula. The Presbyterian Church (USA), having a long history of mission partnership in the Koreas, has advocated for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and reconciliation across the division on the Korean Peninsula for many decades.  We refer to the Korean War as a “forgotten war” in the United States, but it is lived as a “forever war” on the Korean Peninsula.    Because the Korean War did not end with a peace treaty but was merely paused with an armistice treaty signed by China, the UN Command headed by the US, and North Korea, the two Koreas are essentially still at war, and the United States plays a leading role in perpetuating the conflict as it exercises wartime command authority (OPCON) over the South Korean military.  The ongoing state of war has led to continuous suffering throughout the peninsula as millions of families remain separated, resources are directed to tools of destruction, and human rights are sacrificed in the name of security in both South and North Korea.  As the US and South Korea have expanded joint military drills that promote hostility in the name of defense, North Korea has responded with the resumption of missile tests. The outbreak of COVID infections in North Korea further threatened the stability of the entire region.  Humanitarian cooperation would otherwise have addressed the problem, but humanitarian projects are hampered by US and UN sanctions.  The 2018 and 2022 General Assemblies directed the offices of the PC(USA) to communicate with domestic and international governments and agencies to encourage the peaceful resolution of the divisions on the Korean Peninsula, lift sanctions threatening the lives of North Koreans, and seek expansion of people-to-people exchanges across the divide. A bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep Brad Sherman (D-CA) that would  further these initiatives.  The Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act, H.R. 1369 calls for serious, urgent diplomacy in pursuit of a binding peace agreement to formally end the Korean War;  It is critically important that the U.S. government and the international community commence a new process of peace-building across the Korean peninsula.   With so many lives at stake, the United States, as a major party to the ongoing war, has a moral imperative to proactively seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Please contact your member of Congress and urge them to cosponsor HR 1369.

Contact Your Representative!

The 2022 General Assembly also called on Presbyterians to sign on to the Korea Peace Appeal organized by our partners in the National Council of Churches of Korea (NCCK).  The campaign aims to end the Korean War and achieve peace on the Korean Peninsula by collecting 1 million signatures before July 2023, the 70th anniversary of the armistice agreement. More than 370 South Korean civil society organizations, religious groups, individual supporters, and international partner organizations are participating in the Korea Peace Appeal. Click the button below to sign on the appeal, and please indicate “Presbyterian Church U.S.A.” in the affiliation field.

Sign on to the Korea Peace Appeal!

A Word from the Stated Clerk - J. Herbert Nelson offers thoughts on gun violence in the wake of recent mass shootings

Rick Jones & Randy Hobson | Office of the General Assembly - May 2, 2023

LOUISVILLE

Every day there are new reports of gun violence in cities across the country, in schools, churches, and local businesses. A few weeks ago, five people were killed and as many as nine others were wounded at a bank building in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, just blocks from the national offices of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). In the hours and days following that shooting, there has been more gun violence, including a mass shooting in Texas over the past weekend.

The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA), recently paid a visit to a memorial on the steps of the Old National Bank building in Louisville where the mass shootings took place. In this month’s  A Word from the Stated Clerk, Nelson calls for more accountability and action to keep guns out of the hands of people who should not have them.