WCC NEWS: Peace and unity on the Korean Peninsula matters globally

While the peace process on the Korean Peninsula needs further progress built on trust, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected international humanitarian support and development cooperation efforts. World Council of Churches (WCC) communications invited Peter Prove, director of the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, to discuss the current ecumenical engagement for Korea and role of churches in building a sustainable peace. Director of the WCC's CCIA Peter Prove, general secretary of the NCCK Rev. Lee Hong Jung (South Korea) and the chairperson of the KCF Rev. Kang Myong Chol (North Korea) holding hands in prayer and solidarity for peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula during the EFK meeting in Bangkok in 2019. Photo: NCCK 25 February 2021 How do you see the current status of relations between North and South Korea? Prove: Clearly we have suffered a very serious reversal of the circumstances for the peace process on the Korean Peninsula in general. One reason for that is the way the peace process developed itself – the mismatch of expectations and assumptions, particularly between the USA and the DPRK, and a failure to take incremental steps of trust-building to provide a basis for further progress. Among other things, the continued imposition of the most rigorous and severe sanctions regime that has ever been applied anywhere has had a serious impact not only in terms of humanitarian access, but also in terms of the political environment for progress towards peace – and while having demonstrably failed in the stated purpose of nuclear non-proliferation.  At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic has gravely affected opportunities for practical face-to-face engagement, whether for political, humanitarian, development or ecumenical purposes. We don’t know when these opportunities will open, but we hope that the situation regarding the pandemic will alleviate, bringing improvement. What is the role of churches in building a sustainable peace in this context? Prove: One of the most important things that we as churches globally can do is continue to pray for peace and reunification, for a sustainable and peaceful coming together of the Korean people, and that they are made aware of this accompaniment in prayer by churches around the world.  The principle of the ecumenical movement’s engagement in this issue has always been that peace must be made between the Korean people – it won’t be made for them by others. Our role is to support and be in solidarity, to accompany and encourage them on this journey. Even with no physical meetings, 2020 was a busy year in churches’ advocacy and peace-building initiatives for the Korean Peninsula worldwide. Prove: Initiatives that we undertook in the course of last year, with events and gatherings marking the 70th anniversary of the start of Korean War, were really important expressions of global solidarity with the churches and people of the Korean Peninsula, despite the constraints of the pandemic.  We continue to support the role and leadership of the South Korean churches – the National Council of Churches in South Korea has really been in the vanguard of these efforts for peace for many decades. Given the practical impossibility of meeting our North Korean partners - the Korean Christian Federation - last year, we haven’t been able to officially convene the Ecumenical Forum for Korea. However, we have remained in close communication with the members of the forum informally, and we are looking forward to convening again in 2021. Is the interest of churches growing, to engage in the peace-building initiatives for Korea? Prove: We see more partners from among churches and church-based organizations around the world expressing interest in participating in this multilateral forum convened by the WCC. There are partners who are engaged or interested in engaging in humanitarian and development work in North Korea, and churches that want to be active in solidarity efforts for peace on the Korean Peninsula. These partners are coming from an increasingly wide range of church families; we have growing participation from Roman Catholic as well as Evangelical and other partners in the forum. On the other hand, more and more churches and church-related organizations working in relation to North Korea are facing increasingly severe constraints due to the sanctions, deeply impacting humanitarian access and the capacity to do diaconal work with North Korean partners. Nevertheless, the interest and commitment is still there, and we are gathering a large number and a wide spectrum of churches and church-based partners that wish to contribute. What do you see as priorities moving forward? Prove: Given all the unknowns, it’s vital that we maintain hope and continue to pray. Despite the fact that there are so many obstacles and constraints in terms of communication and cooperation, we should never give up.  We cannot resile from our longstanding commitment to peace and reunification for the Korean people. The problem will continue to be a problem, it will continue to fester and present a threat to the security and the future for all people in the region, and the whole world, unless a peaceful and sustainable solution is found. What is your hope for 2021? Prove: Our hope and prayer for this year is that there will be resumed intensity of engagement and cooperation as the COVID-19 pandemic diminishes, and even more hopefully, that there will be renewed efforts for political dialogue as the new administration in the USA has settles in. Our purpose is as simple, and yet as deep, as remaining in relationship and communication with our Christian sisters and brothers in North Korea – despite constraints that currently exist and that have long existed in the history of our engagement with them for peace and reunification. Ecumenical partners for peace on the Korean Peninsula gather to address changing world context (WCC press release 19 January 2021) Commission of the Churches on International Affairs WCC member churches in Korea 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 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. 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

Change.org - Tennessee teachers

Teachers in Tennessee are being forced to return to schools without any protection against COVID. Cases are rapidly increasing, and most teachers are not yet eligible for the vaccine. That’s why Tejasvi started their petition. They want Governor Lee to reverse the mandate to return to in-person learning, at least until teachers can be protected by the vaccine. Add your name to help keep Tennessee teachers safe from COVID-19. Save Tennessee Teachers! 2,936 have signed Tejasvi Epuri’s petition. Let’s get to 5,000!

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*** NOTE: We do not want any money, just your support! The money does not go to us!*** Teachers are forced to go back to in-person learning in a county where cases are rapidly increasing, with no vaccinations and exceptions for people with newborns or elderly family members at home. We need to treat teachers with respect and value their concerns. Forcing them to return does nothing but hinder students’ education. Due to Governor Bill Lee forcing Shelby County Schools and Metro Nashville Public Schools to have an in-person learning option before February 15 or cutting funding for both school systems, Shelby County Schools has announced that all teachers need to return for in-person schooling. However, this mandatory return has made teachers with underlying conditions, elderly parents, or special circumstances come to a dilemma. Shelby County Schools makes no exceptions for these teachers to stay virtual and teach; therefore, teachers are forced to resign or take sick leave. These teachers are irreplaceable, and having no instructor would greatly delay students’ learning, piling on the preexisting delays from COVID. Please help us convince Tennessee legislators and Governor Bill Lee to remove this mandate.  Follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @savetnteachers!

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WCC NEWS: WCC urges respect for human rights, dignity, for asylum seekers from Myanmar

The Council of Churches of Malaysia is urging the authorities not to participate in the “disavowing of refugees” amid the government’s plan to deport 1,200 Myanmar nationals, in coordination with the Myanmar military. "The WCC supports the call to preserve the sanctity of life and human dignity and rights, for asylum seekers from Myanmar." – Here, houses in the Mae La refugee camp near the border to Myanmar, in Thailand, March 2019. Photo: Jin Yang Kim/WCC 24 February 2021 The Council of Churches of Malaysia is urging the authorities not to participate in the “disavowing of refugees” amid the government’s plan to deport 1,200 Myanmar nationals, in coordination with the Myanmar military. “In this time of political insecurity in Myanmar, sending these Myanmar nationals back is to send them to an uncertain fate,” said Council of Churches of Malaysia general secretary Rev. Dr Hermen Shastri in the 23 February statement. “The system of checks and balances, transparency and accountability have all but disappeared, and the fate of these people to be repatriated from our shores is to send them into a hostile and very dangerous situation.” Shastri noted that any such deportation would be contrary to international law and norms. He also urged the government to allow the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees full access to detention centres to identify refugees and asylum seekers and to ensure their protection and safety. “Until such time when law and order are restored in Myanmar, and a democratically elected government is firmly in place, chosen by the popular vote of its citizens, we should not cast the lives of these 1,200 detained Myanmar nationals into an undesired and dangerous territory,” Shastri added. Shastri also emphasised the teaching of mercy and compassion in the Christian faith. “Since this is the season of Lent and we are called to spiritual introspection and to engage in acts of charity, what better way to affirm it than to uphold the principle of the sanctity of life and the dignity of all persons, created, loved and endowed with rights by God,” Shastri said. “Not a single asylum seeker, refugee and anyone else whose life is under threat should be forced to return to Myanmar or any other country where they may face persecution and even death in a situation of conflict.” However, latest reports indicate that, despite a temporary stay of deportation ordered by a Malaysian court, the authorities have nevertheless proceeded with the deportation of 1,086 people. World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca said that the WCC stands in support of the Council of Churches of Malaysia’s statement and its call to preserve the sanctity of life and human dignity and rights. “The WCC fellowship’s stands strongly with the National Council of Churches of Malaysia, raising our common voice to call for justice and mercy for those seeking asylum and fearing for their lives,” said Sauca. “We call upon the Government of Malaysia to observe international humanitarian law and to not participate in the violation of fundamental human rights.” 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 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. 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

Change.org - End his probation

When Wallace Peeples was 17, he went to jail for 20 years for armed robbery. Now, he has turned his life around and uses his platform to empower millions of people. He feeds the homeless, supports families in need, and mentors young men. Mel Wells, President of One Day at a Time, thinks “Wallo” is a role model and that his probation should end. Sign his petition so that Wallo can live his life freely. End Probation for Wallace "Wallo267" Peeples 156,761 have signed Mel Wells’s petition. Let’s get to 200,000!

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At age 17, Wallace "Wallo 267" Peeples was sentenced to a 20 year prison sentence for armed robbery, which he served at the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. While he has turned his life around, not just for him, but to save the lives of others, he is still on probation until October 29, 2048! Wallo is 41 and will be 68 years old when his probation ends.  Wallo is a national phenom, using his platform to empower others. He regularly feeds the homeless, financially supports families in need and mentors young men so they do not make bad choices that will land them in prison. He is the ultimate role model for youth and a community resource, but he is living his life, everyday, with the fear that at any time he can be sent back to prison because he is still on probation. Despite having served his sentence and proving to society that he is full rehabilitated and an exemplary citizen. He is still on probation for 27 more years. For 27 more years his life is limited. His case shows how the criminal justice system is gravely flawed. Mel Wells, President of One Day At A Time (ODAAT), is a thought leader and advocate on issues such as gun violence, the opioid epidemic, economic disenfranchisement and criminal justice reform. Mel has become a voice for those who have become marginalized by their circumstances and is standing with Wallo on this important issue.  Mel stated, "By ending Wallo’s probation early, we have a chance to move the needle forward in Criminal Justice Reform. The Governor, Attorney General and District Attorney have the power to write a positive ending to this chapter of Wallo’s life and in the lives of thousands of men and women that have served their time and are doing their best to live the rest of their lives doing right. They should not have to do that in constant fear of going back to prison."  Sign this petition to end Wallo’s probation AND then continue to support ODAAT in continuing the fight to reform the criminal justice system.   Wallo’s Story As an adolescent, Wallace "Wallo 267" Peeples had spent time in and out of the juvenile system. He was eventually sentenced to a 20 year prison sentence for armed robbery, which he served at the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. However, during his 20 year sentence, he became an avid reader in jail. In less than two years after serving his 20 year prison sentence, Wallo quickly rose as a leader in his community crafting powerful viral content inspiring people across the world to step into their greatness and discover their purpose. Currently, Wallo’s social media platforms accumulate over 10 million+ impressions weekly and his followers have become evangelists, sharing his high-energy videos of inspiration, humor, and hard-earned lessons delivered with his signature unflinching honesty and humor. He has been able to leverage his social media brand to get into partnerships with the NFL Network, Global Citizen, Foot Locker, Puma, and Philly Union. This petition was created by Mel Wells and One Day At A Time. Learn more about ODAAT at www.odaatphilly.org

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At Change.org, we believe in the voice of everyday people. Is there something that you want to change? Start a petition today

Where Do We Go From Here: Final Episode

Thank you to all who were able to join the discussion on "Where Do We Go From Here: White Supremacy Theology." For those who could not join, you can view the video on Facebook or YouTube.    Please join us for the 4th and final episode of "Where Do We Go From Here." This episode will dive into a discussion with two DC pastors who will talk about their experience on January 6th and how their churches have responded. Panelists: Rev. Laura Cunningham, Pastor of Western Presbyterian Church Rev. Graylan S. Hagler, Senior Pastor of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ Join us Thursday, February 25th at 3:00 pm live on the Office of Public Witness Facebook Live. Click Here to register.

WCC NEWS: WCC condemns attack on UN convoy in Democratic Republic of Congo

World Council of Churches acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca condemned an attack on a UN convoy in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on 22 February. Democratic Republic of Congo, 2020. Photo: Sean Hawkey 23 February 2021 World Council of Churches acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca condemned an attack on a UN convoy in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on 22 February. Italy's ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, his Italian bodyguard and a Congolese driver were killed in the attack. This incident happens in a context where the wider community is suffering from the atrocities committed by armed groups. The violence has become part of a systematic pattern of disrupting lives, instilling fear, extorsion and creating havoc in society. “The World Council of Churches condemns this violence against victims involved in a fact-finding mission with the World Food Programme—people who were trying to help alleviate hunger,” said Sauca. “We call for an end to such senseless attacks, violating the essential protection of humanitarian workers, and we reach out in prayer and condolence to families who have lost loved ones.” The delegation was travelling from Goma to visit a World Food Programme school feeding programme in Rutshuru when the attack took place. With a complicated and long history of cross border ethnic violence, external interference and exploitation of rich mineral resources, the conflicts in the region have national, regional and international implications. “This incident should reaffirm the world's commitment to bring peace, security and justice to the region. Our moral obligation is to accompany the local communities subjected to tremendous suffering over the past decades.” Sauca concluded. WCC member churches in DRC 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 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. 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