(WCC) The World Council of Churches (WCC) condemned violence, racism and police brutality in the US, following the death of George Floyd, a black man who was unarmed, at the hands of a police officer. “As part of our Christian understanding and our witness in the world, we reject the brutality of both violence and racial injustice,” reads a WCC statement. “We therefore express our revulsion at the killing of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, and call for full accountability for those responsible for his death.” The WCC fellowship grieves for all victims of excessive force employed by US law enforcement authorities against people of colour. “How many more must die before there is a collective affirmation that black lives do matter, and fundamental root-and-branch reforms in the culture and practices of law enforcement agencies are implemented?” the WCC stated. "This must stop.” "There must be a conversion (metanoia), reflection, repentance and rejection … [Read more...]

(WCC) People pray daily for an end to the coronavirus-COVID-19 that is gripping the world, turning human interaction into a virtual affair and upending lives everywhere during a struggle against a silent enemy about which little is known. Churches, mosques, synagogues and temples have shut their doors in every corner of the planet following the spread of COVID-19. The virus strain was first identified in Wuhan, in China in December 2019. Praying is something that does not need social contact as global Christian groups, including the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Vatican, and the World Evangelical Alliance, have noted. As in all struggles, COVID-19 brings out the good and the bad in humanity, with health workers engaging in great sacrifices and others rushing to help as some show prejudices against people from accused of being the bearers of the disease or those who are vulnerable. COVID-19 prayer WCC member church, The United Church of Canada posted "A Prayer During … [Read more...]

(WCC) The World Council of Churches (WCC) condemned an attack on a Hanukkah celebration at a rabbi´s home north of New York City, on 28December, stabbing and wounding five people. Several state and local officials have described the location of stabbing as a synagogue. The attack appeared to be the latest in a string targeting Jews in the region, including a massacre at a kosher grocery in New Jersey earlier this month. WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit said people have the right to gather at places of worship in peace, and violence against them is appalling. The assault seems to be a brazen display of racist anti-Semitism that, sadly, is on the rise in the US and elsewhere.” Tveit said “We are condemning this attack and the anti-Semitic, racist and extremists ideology that might motivate this attack. We also emphasize the importance of proper security for all, particularly minorities, in our countries.” “As brothers and sisters in faith, and as fellow humans, … [Read more...]

(WCC) The National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) held its 68th General Assembly at Jeongdong First Methodist Church in Seoul on 18 November. The assembly decided to proclaim 2020 as a “jubilee year” marking 70 years since the Korean War, and the NCCK also vowed to continue its efforts for a permanent and solid peace regime and reunification, declaring a formal end to the Korean War and replacing the Armistice Agreement with a peace treaty. The year will also celebrate the Korean Peninsula as a place of peace, prosperity, and reunification. Rev. Bo-hwan Yoon, who was elected as the new NCCK president and will serve a one-year term, is from the Korean Methodist Church, and reflected that he recognises the characteristics and historical traditions of the NCCK and pledged to honor and strengthen the missional work of the organisation. “I think more than ever, we need a church council for peace,” he said. “I will stand alongside you on your way in obedience to the will of … [Read more...]

(WCC) “Churches can help respond to the urgent demands of the children who march in the streets for our planet,” said moderator of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee, Dr Agnes Abuom, during the Executive Committee celebratory break marking the 30th anniversary of the Convention of the Rights of the Child. “Spiritual support and engagement in concrete actions that give hope are an important measure for the mental health of children, including in those countries where the consequences of the climate emergency are not felt on a daily basis, but cause fears among children about the world’s future,” said Abuom. Two years after the launch of the Churches’ Commitments to Children in 2017, the WCC collaborates with over 450 heads of Churches, heads of children’s ministries, school directors, Sunday school teachers and champions for children at the grassroots level. A vital element of the success of the initiative is the global partnership with UNICEF started four … [Read more...]

(WCC) A group of United Nations experts together say that countries have an important role to play in promoting religious tolerance and cultural diversity and that they can do this by promoting and protecting human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. “We welcome the decision of the UN to designate 22 August as the international day to commemorate the victims of acts of violence based on religion or belief,” said the experts for the day which occurs on the same day this year as the World Council of Churches-led Thursdays in Black. “This is a great opportunity to raise awareness about religious intolerance, and violence and discrimination against anyone based on their religion or belief.” The experts urged States to step up their efforts to combat intolerance, discrimination and violence against people based on religion or belief, including against members of religious minorities and people who are not religious. Their comments come in a statement marking the … [Read more...]