WCC news: In solidarity visit to Sudan, WCC strengthens foundations for peace

The World Council of Churches led a delegation on a visit to Sudan from 18-22 April. The ecumenical group included the World Council of Churches (WCC), All Africa Conference of Churches, ACT Alliance, Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa Global Ministries, Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa, General Board Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, and Norwegian Church Aid.  Photo: Sudan Council of Churches 25 April 2024 The joint ecumenical solidarity visit signified a collective commitment to stand with the churches and people of Sudan in their time of need, offering both spiritual and moral support as they strive for peace, healing, and reconciliation. The goal of the visit was to express solidarity and provide spiritual and pastoral accompaniment to the churches and people of Sudan following a one-year war. The ecumenical delegation was led by WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay and WCC president from Africa His Holiness Most Rev. Dr Rufus Okikiola Ositelu, of the Church of the Lord (Prayer Fellowship) Worldwide, who preached on 21 April in the Cathedral of Christ Province of Episcopal Church of Sudan. “The solidarity visit to Port Sudan was informative, enlightening, alarming, and shocking,” said Pillay. “We engaged in conversations with church leaders, women, youth, the president, vice-president, other government officials, other religious leaders, and different groups of people.” More than eight million people in Sudan are displaced, living in schools under very poor conditions. Religious sites have been destroyed. Women have and are still being persecuted. People are hungry.  “We heard the plea of church leaders and people to help stop the war in Sudan and the need for urgent humanitarian assistance,” said Pillay. “While the government underlined the need for humanitarian aid, it was considered that there is an over-exaggeration that 25 million people are starving when the real issues are infrastructures, and production and service delivery of food to the people.” The ecumenical delegation emphasized that humanitarian aid must reach people who are really suffering. The delegation also identified a need to rebuild churches after the war. “The government also attributes much of the conflicts in Sudan to the political interference and interests from other countries in the world,” said Pillay. “The WCC calls on the leaders in Sudan to resort to dialogues to resolve the current conflicts, to put the interests of the people at heart, especially considering the humanitarian challenges faced in the country and the ravages of violence.” The WCC further called on international communities to offer humanitarian support to Sudan and work towards ending the war. “We call on our member churches and all people of goodwill to uphold Sudan in prayers and support,” said Pillay.  The delegation met with Sudan president General Abdul Fattah Al-Burhan.  “I informed him about the composition and work of the WCC, and how we have been engaged in peace missions in the past and present, including Cuba, Colombia, Palestine, and Sudan in the past,” said Ositelu. “I also expressed our concern about the situation in Sudan and shared how we are also involved in humanitarian assistance.” The delegation also met with the vice president of Sudan, Malik Agar.  Agar praised the efforts of the World Council of Churches and its keenness on peaceful coexistence and upholding the values of tolerance and love among all peoples.  Pillay stressed the government's endeavor to lay the foundations of peace in Sudan, promote the values of religious tolerance, and work to establish peace and community security.  Pillay also reiterated concern about the inability to deliver humanitarian aid to those who need it.  Agar described the Sudanese government's plan and vision for peace, which consists of four stages, indicating that the process is still in its initial stages and work will continue to be implemented for the sake of peace and stability for the people in Sudan. Agar also expressed his appreciation for the government's ideas on how to work for peace despite the difficulties and complexities. “We look forward to making our contributions as a World Council of Churches, working-hand-in-hand to be able to contribute to the peacemaking processes in Sudan,” said Pillay.  The ecumenical delegation, during the course of its visit, also provided spiritual encouragement and pastoral care to the churches and people affected by conflict. They assessed the humanitarian situation and raised awareness about the humanitarian crisis.  The delegation will follow up on its visit by continuing to accompany the Sudan Council of Churches as it reorganizes and strengthens; by increasing advocacy and awareness across the world for the plight of the Sudanese people; by planning future visits with member churches in Sudan; and by inviting global prayers for peace in Sudan.   Photo: Sudan Council of Churches Members of the delegation: Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, general secretary, World Council of Churches (WCC), head of the delegation Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, programme director, WCC Public Witness and Diakonia H.H. Most Rev. Dr Rufus Okikiola Ositelu, of the Church of the Lord (Prayer Fellowship) Worldwide, WCC president from Africa  Most Rev. Panti Filibus MUSA, archbishop of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN), a member of AACC eminence persons Fr James Oyet Latansio, general secretary, South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) and chairperson FECCLAHA Jeannette Uwizeye, executive director, Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in the Great and and Horn of Africa (FECCLAHA) Agum Rin Mabeny Adut, university lecturer and a member of AACC general committee Rev. Dr Jin Yang Kim, liaison for Peace and Justice, General Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Church Elizabeth Kisiigha Loy Zimba, ACT Alliance regional representative for Africa Rev. Fr Dr Paul Mung’Athia Igweta, coordinator, Integral Human Development AMECEA Rev. Charles Berahino, executive secretary for Peace and Diakonia, All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) Mahlet Abreham Tibebu, programme executive, Horn of Africa Peace Program AACC Mariam Patricia Bruschweiler-Lamas, WCC programme assistant, CCIA Dirk Peter Hanekom, NCA Sudan country director Bishop Santo Loku Pio, auxiliary bishop of Juba, Catholic Church Rev. Dr Ibrahim Wushishi Yusuf, WCC programme executive, Peacebuilding in Africa Photo gallery "WCC urges prayers—and action—for the plight of people in Sudan" (WCC interview, 25 April 2024) Photo:  Joint ecumenical solidarity visit to Sudan 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

Presbyterian Peace Fellowship Newsletter - Are you ready for a retreat? Join Us at Ghost Ranch!

Presbyterian Peace Fellowship Newsletter APRIL 2024   Ways to Connect!   Hello, We're excited to announce two special in-person events happening this summer at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico.  First up is the Jim Atwood Institute for Congregational Courage Gun Violence Prevention Retreat, running from August 22nd to 25th. This retreat is dedicated to training clergy and lay leaders in various Gun Violence Prevention (GVP) skills for congregational use. Following that, from August 25th to 28th, join us for the 2024 Activist Council In-person Gathering. It's a chance to connect, celebrate our shared history, and chart the course for the future of peacemaking with other PPF community members. Scroll down for more details and register to secure your spot. See you at Ghost Ranch! -PPF Team Jim Atwood Institute for Congregational Courage Gun Violence Prevention Retreat August 22nd-25th The GVP Atwood Institute aims to train clergy and lay leaders/teams in various Gun Violence Prevention (GVP) skills for congregational use, including preaching and discussing GVP, managing conflict and trauma, fostering courage and resilience, and engaging congregations and communities in practical GVP education and action. The institute also offers hands-on training for Gun to Gardens events and other projects. REGISTER HERE 2024 Activist Council In-person Gathering August 25th-28th Join in for a gathering of friends new and old as we unveil the next iteration of PPF. Connect with your fellow peacemakers, pray, play, plan, sing, and build as we celebrate 80 years of shared history and look ahead to the next generation of peacemaking work, together! Be renewed, inspired, and energized for the road ahead! Watch for upcoming information on registration, guest speakers, and workshops. Hope to see you there! REGISTER HERE     Empowering Positive Change Together As the needs of our community shift, our dedication to enhancing the well-being of all remains steadfast. Your contribution plays a vital role in making this mission achievable. Donate Today Presbyterian Peace Fellowship Phone: (845) 786-6743 Send Us A Message Keep in Touch!

WCC NEWS: As floods strike East Africa, church officials fear nature is hitting back

As climate change induced floods terrorize communities in East Africa, clerics and officials here fear that nature was hitting back. Floods have struck Kenya and Tanzania, leaving behind a trail of death, destruction, and displacement. Floods are most intense in some of the same areas previously struck by a lengthy drought described by the UN as the worst in four decades. Climate change induced floods have affected many countries on the African continent in recent years. Here, local farmer James Kuony Malual walks through a flooded piece of land in Akobo, South Sudan. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth Pictures, 2021 25 April 2024 On 24 April, the Kenya meteorological department warned of more rains, as the number of people affected by the floods continued to rise. At least 38 people have died in the flooding and more than 11,000 households are displaced so far, according to the Kenya Red Cross. Over 27,000 acres of farmland are also submerged in the floods that have killed an estimated 4,800 livestock. “I think this is most unfortunate. The situation is dire. People have lost everything, including their homes,” said Rev. Dr Emily Awino Onyango, assistant bishop of the Bondo Anglican Diocese in western Kenya. “The people who do not have anything are most affected. Even if you give them food and blankets, that cannot replace homes.” The floods have affected 23 out of Kenya’s 47 counties. They are as a result of heavy rains that started mid-March. The raging waters are tearing apart roads, breaking bridges, and uprooting sewer lines. Farmlands and homes have been submerged, with food crops being swept away. In mid-April, floods in Tanzania killed at least 58 people, and displaced 126,000 others, mainly in the coastal regions. Floods also destroyed more than 75,000 farms, according to news reports. The disaster comes on the heels of the United Nations Environment Assembly which passed 15 resolutions to tackle the three planetary challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. “The world needs action. The world needs speed. The world needs real lasting change,” Inger Andersen, UN Environmental Programme director said at the end of the 26 February-1 March gathering in Nairobi. At the same time, Bishop Onyango said the weather disaster underlined humanity’s failure to care for creation and the environment. She urged an immediate refocusing on the care to slow down such occurrences. “We have not cared for creation and these are the effects. One of the biggest problems…is cutting down trees and the people settling on the banks of lakes and rivers. We all know that should not be allowed,” the bishop said. “As Christians, I think we need to come back urgently to the care of the creation.” Rev. Dr Ezekiel Lesmore, director of Programmes at the All Africa Conference of Churches, said nature was angry at humanity for brutalizing it in the quest for wealth and technological advancement. “Humanity has acted without due consideration of the ecosystem and the roles that each component plays in our collective wellbeing. We have failed in our stewardship roles,” said Lesmore, a Nigerian Lutheran priest. “Of course, the communities that are affected in Africa [have] committed the least crime against nature.” “The industrial nations must be held responsible and made to compensate [less developed nations] through the established Loss and Damage Fund,” he added. Both local and international church relief and development agencies are responding to the emergencies. The Anglican Development Services of Kenya is delivering some basic needs, such as food and blankets, in some of the affected areas. “I think the government is not doing enough.  You know, we always wait until floods occur. The government must do its work…and ensure the people do not construct homes on the lakes and river banks,” said the bishop. The bishop stressed prioritization of water harvesting for when there will be no water during the next phase of drought, which may come as soon as the next few months. 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

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