WCC FEATURE: Rev. Dawn Gikandi: Thursdays in Black speaks volumes in Kenya and beyond

Our series of interviews with Thursdays in Black ambassadors highlights those who are playing a vital role in increasing the impact of our collective call for a world without rape and violence. Rev. Dawn Gikandi is a Kenyan who has been ordained as a minister by the Presbyterian Church of East Africa, a member church of the WCC. Rev. Dawn Gikandi from Presbyterian Church of East Africa Photo: Dawn Gikandi 27 June 2024 Why did you get involved with Thursdays in Black? Rev. Gikandi: It’s because, first of all, from Africa, we hear lots of stories of rape and violence—a lot of pain, and even when we are not speaking, a silent campaign goes a long way, and it speaks volumes. Ever since I got involved, more and more people have joined because, the more you dress in black, the more you have the badge, the T-shirt, or a wrist band, someone will ask a question and will start a conversation that will enable you to let them know how important this is. How has this been personally deeply meaningful to you? Rev. Gikandi: I have a group of friends who suffer terribly from forms of violence. In fact, I have one who took three years to overcome the trauma. At the end of those three years, she asked if she could preach in church, so I gave her one of those days I wasn’t supposed to preach. What actually shocked me was, after she described her pain and healing, how many people called and said they learned from her and they could relate to her. It occurred to me some people don’t actually realize the pain they cause other people, so I decided now that the World Council of Churches has given this platform and a way of reaching out, why don’t I do it, whether in my country Kenya, or if I travel elsewhere. It’s been quite a journey and it has also been one of those things through which you realize there are more ways of service, more ways of reaching out to the wounded, and more people approaching about what they can do. For me, it’s been part of what’s near and dear to me, because of the people around me. What do you say when someone sees you dressed with your Thursdays in Black, and they ask you, “What’s this?” Rev. Gikandi: One of the things I actually say— depending on how much time we have, of course—is that it starts as something done by individuals, then it’s done by groups, and it’s a thing you can do within your daily schedule. It is a way to speak out and to make a statement and to speak into matters of rape and violence, even when voicing this is sometimes not really easy. Even when I’ve been to meetings of the World Council of Churches, that in itself speaks volumes for me, because we are telling people what is really important: that people of faith, that our faith helps to improve the lives of people. In this particular case—and especially from Kenya where there are a lot of demonstrations about anything and everything— this is where it affects lives so closely. It’s your small way of contributing to something that is greater than you’ll ever know—something that is amazing! How do you keep up the momentum for Thursdays in Black? Rev. Gikandi: It may not be today or tomorrow, but you and I can come together and enhance the journey and the faith, and add our own contribution, silently or in our discussions. The people I meet, I let them know there’s not just pain and violence but that there is healing. Rape and violence have to stop! I have seen that there is so much more that we can do, and every third Thursday of the month a group of volunteers comes together, and they see us in black on Thursdays every time. Even as we go to schools, volunteers will dress in black, and we remind ourselves that we aren’t going to give up now! Learn more about Thursdays in Black Thursdays in Black now has a Youth Edition (WCC news release, 21 December 2023)  #ThurdaysInBlack ambassador - Rev. Dawn Gikandi, Presbyterian Church of East Africa 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: Prepare for World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel: "Whatever you did…you did for me”

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has announced the theme for the 2024 World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel, to be observed 16-22 September. This week includes the UN International Day of Peace on 21 September, now in its 25th year. Photo: MECC Department of Services to Palestinian Refugees 28 June 2024 The theme is: "Whatever you did…you did for me” (Matthew 25:40), based on the larger context of Matthew 25:35-40. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. The theme speaks to the devastating situation of Palestinians in Gaza after so many months of war. After eight months since the beginning of the war on Gaza, the level of human loss and destruction has been unprecedented in the Holy Land. The statistics issued by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs are devastating, including 35,500 Palestinians killed and 80,000 injured with 60% in both categories being elderly, women, and children; 1.7 million people (75% of the population) internally displaced with 60% of residential units damaged as well as 80% of all commercial facilities. In addition, 1.1 million people reached catastrophic levels of food insecurity, and they lack any electricity, sewage, water, or communication networks. ”The situation in Gaza exposes the lowest decline in our shared humanity and our collective total failure to honour life,” said Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Public Witness and Diakonia. “We need to take decisive action to redeem the little of our humanity that may be left." The special week will serve as a reminder to us all to visit, feed, and provide necessities for the people Jesus called “the least of my brothers and sisters.” At the same time, it is time to reflect on what we do towards the conflict in Palestine and how we contribute positively or negatively “as if we are doing it to Jesus.” During the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel, church organizations, congregations, and people of faith are encouraged to bear a common witness by participating in worship services, educational events, and acts of support in favor of peace and justice for Palestinians and Israelis. The World Council of Churches invites member churches, faith-based communities, and civil society organizations around the world to join for a week of prayer for just peace for all in Palestine and Israel.  To help the global fellowship and all people of good will prepare for the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel, the WCC has developed a concept note that offers a deeper look at the theme. Resources related to the three pillars of the week—educate, pray, and act—will be published as well.  Concept note: World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel 2024 Learn more about the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel 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 expresses alarm over reports of violent response to Kenyan protests

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed alarm at the reports and images indicating a disproportionately violent response by Kenyan police and security personnel to widespread popular protests about proposed tax increases.  The Mathare neighborhood of Nairobi, Kenya. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 26 June 2024 “In particular, reports of the use of live ammunition against protestors resulting in some deaths outside the parliament building in Nairobi are deeply disturbing,” said Pillay. “We call for restraint on all sides – for protestors to exercise their right to protest nonviolently, and for security forces to respond proportionally with non-lethal means.” Pillay said: “We urge dialogue and public debate to address the issues which have provoked nationwide protests in recent days, and appeal for respect for democratic processes, human rights, and the rule of law by all concerned.” On 25 June, part of Kenya's parliament building was set on fire as thousands of protesters against a new finance bill entered and legislators fled.  Protesters had demanded that legislators vote against a bill imposing new taxes. Police reportedly fired live ammunition and threw tear gas canisters at protesters.  Clashes also spread to other cities. WCC member churches in Kenya 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: Medical doctors in Gaza describe growing needs in overcrowded shelters

Medical doctors working with mobile health units in Gaza operated by the Middle East Council of Churches Department of Services to Palestinian Refugees described the serious needs they are seeing among people who don’t have enough safe water, food, or medicines. Photo: DSPR 25 June 2024 Health consultant Dr Bassam Abu Hamad described people with war injuries as well as people with diseases resulting from the deterioration of living conditions, especially overcrowding. “You will see more than 100 people living together in a classroom,” he said. “In addition to that we see a lot of cases associated with malnutrition and food insecurity.” Finding a secure source of food has become a grave challenge, he added. “Many people present with signs of anemia, and signs of malnutrition, in addition to diseases resulting from stress—chronic diseases like hypertension,” he said. “Those who already have these diseases, their condition becomes uncontrolled and has deteriorated.” There is also a severe shortage of medicines for both physical and mental illnesses, he said. “There is a severe shortage of drugs needed for cancer, and even for antibiotics for the children,” he said. “In terms of equipment, it’s even more complicated because the healthcare system has been destroyed. Many ambulances have been completely destroyed.” Through it all, Hamad has tried to keep up the moral of the medical staff. “They sacrifice themselves to help people really in need of services,” he said. “Please pray for us, pray for peace.” He also asked for prayers for the freedom of Palestine. “Pray for a ceasefire to become a reality,” he said. “Please pray that no one on earth will be oppressed.” Health and psychosocial programs coordinator Lubna Yousif Sabbah described injuries from gunshots and missile fragments. “For health needs, what we are seeing now are the need for complementary feeding and supplements for children under five, and pregnant and lactating women who suffer from malnutrition due to food insecurity and starvation,” said Sabbah. “We need medicines to treat patients who suffer from infectious diseases, and many other diseases due to crowded shelters.” They also lack access to safe, clean water, said Sabbah. “We need medicines for patients with chronic diseases; multivitamins and supplements for patients who suffer from anemia and malnutrition; and medical supplies and consumables used for dressing the injured, for disinfection and prevention,” added Sabbah. “Fuel is essential to operate the medical points.” Despite the lack of resources, Sabbah said the healthcare providers are not losing hope. “We encourage ourselves that we should continue to help and serve people in need,” said Sabbah. “You can pray to end this war and violence against innocent people in Gaza. Pray that peace, prosperity, and justice may prevail.”   "WCC calls for a permanent ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access in Gaza" (WCC statement) Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees “DSPR” of the Middle East Council of Churches “MECC” 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: Visit to Korean observatory brings unification into hearts and minds

As part of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on Education and Ecumenical Formation (EEF) first in-person meeting after the WCC’s 11th Assembly in 2022, the commissioners had the opportunity to visit the Odusan Unification Observatory, some 45 minutes away from Seoul.  On 27 June, EEF commissioners had the opportunity to visit the Odusan Unification Observatory. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC 28 June 2024 The commission is meeting in Seoul, Republic of Korea, 25-28 June. Located in Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, the Odusan Unification Observatory was established to console the feelings of dispersed families and provide an educational site for the unification education through 5F to B1 in 1992. The observatory is situated in the northernmost ceasefire line of the western front where the Hangang River and Imjingang River meet. Rev. Vilma  Niemi, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, reflected that the unstable political situation, suspicion, and division made her both restless and sad. “We have met some leaders of the churches in South Korea, and they have asked us to pray for the South Koreans, for the North Koreans and for peace,” she said. “What also gives me hope is what kind of peace education has been given in South Korea. At the observation place we saw children's art, for example shaking hands and a dove of peace.” Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC Prof. Rev. Dr Reinhold Bernhardt, Protestant Church of Switzerland, commented on the richness of the gathering, a combination of theology, conversation, and the visit to the observatory.  “From that conversation, we gained insider insights into the political, economic, and theological situation in South Korea,” he said. “We were reminded of the crucial importance of ecumenical relations for that church.” However, he added, other churches in South Korea view ecumenism as a threat to their identity and have made anti-ecumenism a cornerstone of their self-understanding. “Standing on the observation platform overlooking North Korea reminded me of my childhood experiences of Sunday trips to the Iron Curtain that divided Germany: the barbed-wire fences, the watchtowers, and the speculations about what life was like for the people on the other side,” he said. “What might they think and feel when they see the lights across the border at night, the cars passing by on the other side of the fence, and the people watching them from that platform?” He added: “The distance between them and me was only about two kilometers, but I felt them being infinitely far away.” On 27 June, EEF commissioners had the opportunity to visit the Odusan Unification Observatory. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC Very Rev. Fr. Hrant Tahanian, Armenian Apostolic Church (Holy See of Cilicia), recalled meeting delegates from both North and South Korea in June 2018 in Geneva, as the WCC was celebrating its 70th anniversary.  “Today in Seoul, as the WCC's commission on EEF meets, we have the opportunity to observe first hand the depth of the challenges this artificial divide has forged, as well as pray with our sisters and brothers for the celestial hope of reunification,” he said.  From Rev. Prof. Fernando Bortolleto Filho, from the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil: “It is very special place. It was a privilege to visit that place. The place makes us reflect on peace and conflict. In fact, the river is a "wall". A symbol of division.” The 27 June program also included a visit to the Namsangol Hanok Village, a collection of five hanoks (traditional Korean houses) from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), recovered from different parts of the city and relocated to the northern foot of Namsan mountain.  WCC commission opens meeting at historic Yonsei University, with all eyes on education, formation (WCC news release, 25 June 2024) Photo gallery from the EEF commission meeting in Korea Learn more about the WCC's Commission on Education and Ecumenical Formation On 27 June, the EEF commissioners had the opportunity to visit the Namsangol Hanok Village, a collection of five hanoks (traditional Korean houses) from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), recovered from different parts of the city and relocated to the northern foot of Namsan mountain. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC 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