Cleveland Forum Sparks World Council’s Quest for Christian Unity

by Marjorie Hyer, Los Angeles Times Support for the World Council of Churches and its quest for Christian unity remains strong in this country despite attacks in recent years on its social and political stands, according to the ecumenical agency’s general secretary. “The aim of the World Council of Churches is to promote unity of
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Posted: Nov. 8, 1986 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=6386
Categories: News • In this article: ecumenism, WCC Transmis : 8 nov. 1986 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=6386
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : ecumenism, WCC

Orthodox churches hold WCC at arms’ length

A pan-Orthodox conference that took place from April 29 to May 2, 1998, at Thessaloniki, Greece, was devoted to relations between Orthodoxy and the ecumenical movement – a topic which has caused concern among very many people not only in the Russian but also other Local Orthodox Churches.
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Posted: May 8, 1998 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=2
Categories: Communiqué, News • In this article: Orthodox, WCC Transmis : 8 mai 1998 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=2
Catégorie : Communiqué, News • Dans cet article : Orthodox, WCC

World Council of Churches veteran reflects on two decades

by United Methodist News Service As the World Council of Churches heads into a new millennium, it does so with a little less Love than it has had for the last two decades. For Jan Love, the WCC‘s December meeting in Zimbabwe marked the end of 23 years of heavy involvement in the ecumenical organization.
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Posted: Jan. 29, 1999 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=4942
Categories: UMC News • In this article: WCC Transmis : 29 janv. 1999 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=4942
Catégorie : UMC News • Dans cet article : WCC

After Many Delays, WCC Prepares to Deal with Orthodox Complaints

by Stephen Brown, Ecumenical News Service [GENEVA] A special commission set up by the World Council of Churches (WCC) in a bid to resolve complaints by its Orthodox member churches is scheduled to hold its first meeting in December. The scheduling of the meeting follows a series of delays and apparent unwillingness by some Orthodox
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Posted: Sept. 2, 1999 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=4949
Categories: ENI • In this article: Orthodox, WCC Transmis : 2 sept. 1999 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=4949
Catégorie : ENI • Dans cet article : Orthodox, WCC

Inaugural Meeting of the Special Commission on Orthodox Participation

[WCC News] The Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the World Council of Churches (WCC) will meet from 6 to 8 December in Morges, on Lac Léman, Switzerland. At its inaugural meeting the Commission will deal chiefly with matters of planning and procedure for the series of its Protestant-Orthodox discussions to be held over the
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Posted: Dec. 3, 1999 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=4986
Categories: WCC News • In this article: Orthodox, WCC Transmis : 3 déc. 1999 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=4986
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : Orthodox, WCC

Call for Common Witness in Eastern Europe

“Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose” (I Cor 1:10)

To the Christians and churches of Eastern Europe,

We, the 25 participants of the Ancient Oriental, Anglican, Baptist, Evangelical, Lutheran, Orthodox, Reformed and Roman Catholic traditions of Eastern Europe have just completed an eight-day “School for Mission: Preaching the Gospel in Eastern Europe” organized by the World Council of Churches and the Conference of European Churches. It was an encouraging time of Christian fellowship and learning, during which we struggled to understand better how to express the missionary nature of the Church by bearing common witness in our home countries.
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Posted: Nov. 4, 2003 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=9329
Categories: ACNS • In this article: Conference of European Churches, ecumenical education, mission, WCC Transmis : 4 nov. 2003 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=9329
Catégorie : ACNS • Dans cet article : Conference of European Churches, ecumenical education, mission, WCC

Easter message to the churches from the general secretary of the WCC

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pe 1:3). Christ is Risen! This year this joyful exclamation will be simultaneously pronounced by
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Posted: Apr. 1, 2004 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=8737
Categories: WCC News • In this article: Easter, Samuel Kobia, WCC Transmis : 1 avril 2004 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=8737
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : Easter, Samuel Kobia, WCC

Women working in the margins of peace

World Council of Churches’ Press Feature Women are either victims of civil strife or beneficiaries of humanitarian efforts, but they are not full partners or equal participants in the peace process, proclaims Sarah Shteir of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. Shteir was one of several panelists at an ecumenical women’s gathering convened
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Posted: Apr. 8, 2004 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=95
Categories: News • In this article: peace, WCC, women Transmis : 8 avril 2004 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=95
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : peace, WCC, women

Common celebration of Easter a gift, WCC work towards universal date will continue

WCC Press Release In an Easter message to member churches, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia expresses his hope that “Christians throughout the world will join in prayer and celebration” as they celebrate Easter on the same date this year, an occurrence he considers a “real gift and blessing”. Though
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Posted: Apr. 8, 2004 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=96
Categories: Dialogue, WCC News • In this article: Easter, Samuel Kobia, WCC Transmis : 8 avril 2004 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=96
Catégorie : Dialogue, WCC News • Dans cet article : Easter, Samuel Kobia, WCC

A WCC staff comment on Mel Gibson film

WCC News flash What should we do after seeing Mel Gibson’s film ‘The Passion of Christ’? That is the question being asked by Rev. Dr Hans Ucko, who specializes in Christian-Jewish dialogue at the World Council of Churches. He discusses the impact of our reactions to this controversial film in an opinion piece published in
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Posted: Apr. 8, 2004 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=97
Categories: Dialogue, WCC News • In this article: anti-semitism, Christian, Christianity, Judaism, Mel Gibson, WCC Transmis : 8 avril 2004 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=97
Catégorie : Dialogue, WCC News • Dans cet article : anti-semitism, Christian, Christianity, Judaism, Mel Gibson, WCC

Le secrétaire général du Conseil œcuménique des églises visite le Canada

Le Rév. Samuel Kobia, secrétaire général du Conseil œcuménique des Églises, sera parmi nous du 30 septembre au 4 octobre; il s’agira de sa première visite officielle aux Églises du Canada.

M. Kobia se rendra d’abord à Winnipeg, où il prononcera une allocution publique sur le thème de « l’œcuménisme au 21^e siècle » à l’université de Winnipeg. L’après-midi du 30 septembre, il rencontrera des dirigeants autochtones.

À Toronto, il rencontrera diverses organsations ecclésiales et prendra la parole lors d’un dîner pour les dirigeants des Églises canadiennes. Le samedi 2 octobre à 10 heures, il prononcera l’allocution thématique lors d’une conférence publique parrainée par la Toronto School of Theology et le Centre canadien d’œcuménisme à Emmanuel College, Toronto School of Theology. Son allocution aura pour thème « L’impact des relations interreligieuses sur la théologie et la pratique de l’œcuménisme classique.»

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Posted: Sept. 28, 2004 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=109
Categories: News • In this article: 2004, Canada, Samuel Kobia, WCC Transmis : 28 sept. 2004 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=109
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : 2004, Canada, Samuel Kobia, WCC

The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches visits Canada

From September 30th until October 4th, The Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, will be paying his first official visit to the churches of Canada.

Dr. Kobia will begin his visit in Winnipeg where he will give a public lecture on the topic of ‘Ecumenism in the 21st century’ at the University of Winnipeg. In the afternoon of September 30th he will meet with aboriginal leaders.

In Toronto, Dr. Kobia will meet with various church houses and speak at a dinner for the church leaders of Canada. On Saturday, October 2nd, he will give the theme address at a public lecture, at 10:00 a.m., sponsored by Toronto School of Theology and the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism at Emmanuel College, Toronto School of Theology. The topic of his address will be ‘The Impact of Inter-Faith Relationships on the Theology and Practice of Classical Ecumenism’.
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Posted: Sept. 28, 2004 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=110
Categories: News • In this article: 2004, Canada, Samuel Kobia, WCC Transmis : 28 sept. 2004 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=110
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : 2004, Canada, Samuel Kobia, WCC

Pope John Paul II: Outstanding figure in modern Christendom, one of the most courageous spiritual leaders of our time

Expressing the profound sadness of the World Council of Churches (WCC) following the announcement by the Holy See of the death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II today, the WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia stated that: “His Holiness Pope John Paul II will be remembered as one of the most courageous spiritual leaders of
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Posted: Apr. 2, 2005 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=123
Categories: Memorials, News • In this article: John Paul II, pope, Samuel Kobia, WCC Transmis : 2 avril 2005 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=123
Catégorie : Memorials, News • Dans cet article : John Paul II, pope, Samuel Kobia, WCC

Le secrétaire général du COE rend hommage à Jean-Paul II

Le texte complet du tribut rendu par le secrétaire général du COE, le pasteur Samuel Kobia, au pape Jean-Paul II est dans le site web du COE. Ce texte met en évidence certains aboutissements de ce pontificat. Le pape Jean-Paul II a été l’une des personnalités les plus marquantes de ces dernières décennies, et son influence a
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Posted: Apr. 3, 2005 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=125
Categories: News • In this article: John Paul II, pope, Samuel Kobia, WCC Transmis : 3 avril 2005 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=125
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : John Paul II, pope, Samuel Kobia, WCC

WCC general secretary pays tribute to Pope John Paul II

The full text of the tribute paid by WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia to Pope John Paul II, highlighting some of the specific achievements of his pontificate, is available from the WCC website. Pope John Paul II has been among the most outstanding personalities during these last decades, with an impact far beyond the Roman
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Posted: Apr. 3, 2005 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=126
Categories: News • In this article: John Paul II, pope, Samuel Kobia, WCC Transmis : 3 avril 2005 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=126
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : John Paul II, pope, Samuel Kobia, WCC

Benedict XVI: Kobia prays for renewed commitment to ecumenical openness and a dialogue of conversion

Geneva — In congratulating the newly-elected pope, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia prayed for “renewed commitment” to “ecumenical openess” and “a dialogue of conversion”. Describing Benedict XVI as a man “known for his theological integrity and ecclesial loyalty, his evangelical simplicity and pastoral sensitivity,” Kobia expressed his hope that his
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Posted: Apr. 20, 2005 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=129
Categories: News • In this article: Benedict XVI, Joseph Ratzinger, Samuel Kobia, WCC Transmis : 20 avril 2005 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=129
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : Benedict XVI, Joseph Ratzinger, Samuel Kobia, WCC

Benoît XVI: Sam Kobia prie pour l’ouverture œcuménique et un dialogue de conversion

Genève — En félicitant le pape nouvellement élu, le secrétaire général du Conseil œcuménique des Eglises (COE), le pasteur Samuel Kobia, a prié pour un “engagement renouvelé” en faveur de “l’ouverture œcuménique” et pour “un dialogue de conversion”. Décrivant Benoît XVI comme un homme “connu pour son intégrité théologique et sa loyauté ecclésiale, sa simplicité
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Posted: Apr. 20, 2005 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=130
Categories: News • In this article: Joseph Ratzinger, Samuel Kobia, WCC Transmis : 20 avril 2005 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=130
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : Joseph Ratzinger, Samuel Kobia, WCC

Participez sur l’Internet à la conférence mondiale sur la mission et l’évangélisation !

Vous auriez souhaité participer à la conférence qui se tiendra du 9 au 16 mai à Athènes, sur le thème de la guérison et la réconciliation, mais vous ne pourrez pas être présent ? Participez sur Internet ! Voici comment : * Suivez les sessions plénières en direct en vidéo sur Internet. * Regardez les
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Posted: Apr. 29, 2005 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=132
Categories: News • In this article: 2005, mission, WCC Transmis : 29 avril 2005 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=132
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : 2005, mission, WCC

Participate online in the World Mission and Evangelism conference !

You would like to participate in the 9-16 May conference in Athens on healing and reconciliation but you can’t be physically present? Why not participate online? Here is how: * Tune in to live broadcasts of the plenary sessions on the internet. * Watch archived videos of the plenaries to be watched at your leisure
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Posted: Apr. 29, 2005 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=133
Categories: News • In this article: 2005, evangelism/evangelization, events, mission, WCC Transmis : 29 avril 2005 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=133
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : 2005, evangelism/evangelization, events, mission, WCC

Assemblée du COE 2006 : Transforme le monde, Dieu, dans ta grâce

“Transforme le monde, Dieu, dans ta grâce” est le thème choisi pour la Neuvième Assemblée du Conseil œcuménique des Églises qui se réunira à Porto Alegre, Brésil, du 14 au 23 février 2006. L’Assemblée sera un temps de rencontre, de prière, de célébration et de délibération pour des milliers de chrétiennes et de chrétiens du
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Posted: Jan. 28, 2006 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=200
Categories: Conferences, News • In this article: 2006, WCC Transmis : 28 janv. 2006 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=200
Catégorie : Conferences, News • Dans cet article : 2006, WCC

WCC Assembly 2006: God, in your grace, transform the world

The 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches will meet in Porto Alegre, Brazil, 14 – 23 February 2006, addressing the theme “God, in your grace, transform the world.” The assembly will be a time of encounter, prayer, celebration and deliberation for thousands of Christian women and men from around the world. The World
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Posted: Jan. 28, 2006 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=199
Categories: Conferences • In this article: 2006, Christian unity, events, WCC, WCC Assembly Transmis : 28 janv. 2006 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=199
Catégorie : Conferences • Dans cet article : 2006, Christian unity, events, WCC, WCC Assembly

Leaders urge calm and dialogue in cartoon controversy

[Porto Alegré, Brazil • 14.02.2006] Christians and Muslims should work together to “put out the fire” caused by the controversial publication of cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed, according to Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the World Council of Churches. The publication of the cartoons, which first appeared last year in a Danish paper
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Posted: Feb. 17, 2006 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=205
Categories: News • In this article: Islam, WCC Transmis : 17 févr. 2006 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=205
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : Islam, WCC

Called to be the one church

WCC assemblies have adopted texts offering a vision, or identifying the qualities, of “the unity we seek”. This assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil, is invited to consider and adopt the present invitation to the churches.
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Posted: Feb. 22, 2006 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=209
Categories: News • In this article: 2006, church, ecclesiology, WCC, WCC Assembly, WCC Commission on Faith & Order Transmis : 22 févr. 2006 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=209
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : 2006, church, ecclesiology, WCC, WCC Assembly, WCC Commission on Faith & Order

Appelés à être l’Église une

Les assemblées du COE ont adopté des textes qui proposaient une vision — ou précisaient les qualités — de « l’unité que nous recherchons ». L’Assemblée de Porto Alegre, au Brésil, est invitée à étudier et à adopter la présente invitation adressée aux Églises.
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Posted: Feb. 22, 2006 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=210
Categories: News • In this article: 2006, WCC, WCC Commission on Faith & Order Transmis : 22 févr. 2006 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=210
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : 2006, WCC, WCC Commission on Faith & Order

Le COE renforce le dialogue avec les catholiques et les pentecôtistes

Le Conseil œcuménique des Eglises (COE) a terminé son Assemblée, qui se tient tous les sept ans, par un appel à renforcer le dialogue avec les Eglises catholique romaine, pentecôtistes et évangéliques qui ne sont pas membres de l’organisation, dont le siège est à Genève.
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Posted: Mar. 6, 2006 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=213
Categories: Dialogue • In this article: 2006, Catholic, WCC Transmis : 6 mars 2006 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=213
Catégorie : Dialogue • Dans cet article : 2006, Catholic, WCC

WCC assembly wants closer moves to Catholics, Pentecostals

The World Council of Churches ended its once every seven years assembly held in Brazil with calls to reach out to Roman Catholic, Pentecostal and Evangelical churches that do not belong to the Geneva-based grouping.
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Posted: Mar. 6, 2006 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=214
Categories: Dialogue • In this article: 2006, Catholic, Christian unity, Pentecostal, WCC, WCC Assembly Transmis : 6 mars 2006 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=214
Catégorie : Dialogue • Dans cet article : 2006, Catholic, Christian unity, Pentecostal, WCC, WCC Assembly

Ecumenical contacts workshop: God in Your grace, Transform the World

A workshop for ecumenical contacts and leaders entitled “God in Your grace, Transform the World: An eyewitness report from the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches” will be held April 22 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Saskatoon.
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Posted: Apr. 22, 2006 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=227
Categories: Calendar • In this article: Christian unity, education, events, WCC Transmis : 22 avril 2006 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=227
Catégorie : Calendar • Dans cet article : Christian unity, education, events, WCC

WCC Annual Review 2005

Now available in electronic and printed format, the WCC Annual Review 2005 is an illustrated account of WCC programmes and activities over the year. The Annual Review also contains key information on WCC member churches, governing bodies, finances, publications and other resources.
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Posted: June 15, 2006 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=240
Categories: Documents, Resources, WCC News • In this article: WCC Transmis : 15 juin 2006 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=240
Catégorie : Documents, Resources, WCC News • Dans cet article : WCC

Compte rendu annuel 2005 du COE

Disponible maintenant sous forme électronique et imprimée (en anglais seulement), le document WCC Annual Review 2005 est un compte rendu illustré des programmes et activités du COE tout au long de l’année. Il contient également des informations de base sur les Eglises membres, les organes directeurs, les finances, les publications et autres documents du COE.
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Posted: June 15, 2006 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=241
Categories: Documents, Resources • In this article: WCC Transmis : 15 juin 2006 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=241
Catégorie : Documents, Resources • Dans cet article : WCC

Ecumenical delegation reports on visit to Jerusalem and Beirut

“Why such awful destruction?” was the question heard over and over again by members of an ecumenical pastoral delegation in relation to Israel’s attacks on Lebanon.

Entrusted by the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Conference of European Churches (CEC), the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) with the mission of expressing global ecumenical solidarity with churches and people affected by the conflict in the Middle East, the delegation returned with the task of transmitting the hopes and expectations of the churches in Lebanon, Palestine and Israel to the international ecumenical family.
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Posted: Aug. 16, 2006 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=256
Categories: WCC News • In this article: Israel, Lebanon, Middle East, Palestine, peace, violence, WCC Transmis : 16 aoüt 2006 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=256
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : Israel, Lebanon, Middle East, Palestine, peace, violence, WCC

De retour du Moyen Orient, la délégation œcuménique fait part des préoccupations des Eglises

“Pourquoi une destruction si épouvantable?” C’est la question que les membres d’une délégation pastorale œcuménique n’ont cessé d’entendre à propos des attaques israéliennes contre le Liban.

Chargée par le Conseil œcuménique des Eglises (COE), la Conférence des Eglises européennes (KEK), la Fédération luthérienne mondiale (FLM) et l’Alliance réformée mondiale (ARM) d’exprimer la solidarité du monde œcuménique envers les Eglises et les populations touchées par le conflit au Moyen Orient, la délégation est rentrée avec pour mandat de transmettre à la famille œcuménique internationale les espoirs et les attentes des Eglises du Liban, de Palestine et d’Israël.
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Posted: Aug. 18, 2006 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=257
Categories: Communiqué, WCC News • In this article: Israel, Libya, Middle East, Palestine, peace, violence, WCC Transmis : 18 aoüt 2006 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=257
Catégorie : Communiqué, WCC News • Dans cet article : Israel, Libya, Middle East, Palestine, peace, violence, WCC

Support and solidarity for the Ecumenical Patriarch

At a time when the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople – today’s Istanbul – is facing growing hardships imposed by decisions of the Turkish judiciary, members of the worldwide ecumenical family have expressed support and solidarity to His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
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Posted: Aug. 30, 2007 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=343
Categories: News • In this article: Bartholomew I, Conference of European Churches, Eastern churches, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Orthodox, patriarch, Phanar, WCC Transmis : 30 aoüt 2007 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=343
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : Bartholomew I, Conference of European Churches, Eastern churches, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Orthodox, patriarch, Phanar, WCC

Bossey totem pole returned to the earth

Bossey totem pole returned to the earth
[WCC News] After 25 years standing vigil at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, a totem pole was returned to the soils of the earth Sunday at a ceremony attended by many of those taking part in this week’s Central Committee meetings.

The totem was presented as a gift of the churches of Canada at the WCC’s Sixth Assembly, held in Vancouver, as a way to raise the profile of indigenous people. Time and weather took its toll on the nearly 50 foot-tall totem since its placement at Bossey, and it had become unstable.

Following advice from the First Nations of Canada, the WCC decided to hold a respectful ceremony to remember the gift and the work of those who carved it. Rev. Carmen Lansdowne, a Central Committee member from the United Church of Canada and member of the indigenous people of western Canada, was asked to lead the ceremony. A small, permanent display will continue to tell the totem’s story.
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Posted: Feb. 18, 2008 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=429
Categories: WCC News • In this article: Indigenous peoples, WCC Transmis : 18 févr. 2008 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=429
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : Indigenous peoples, WCC

Le totem de Bossey retourne à la terre

Le totem de Bossey retourne à la terre
[Nouvelles de COE] La 6ème Assemblée du COE s’était tenue en 1983 au Canada, à Vancouver. A cette occasion les Églises du Canada avaient offert un totem de 15 mètres de haut, non seulement comme souvenir de cette Assemblée en Amérique du Nord, mais aussi pour promouvoir la voix des peuples indigènes du Canada.

Ramené en Europe, ce totem de cèdre sculpté par les peuples indigènes du Canada avait trouvé sa place dans le parc verdoyant de l’institut œcuménique de Bossey. Avec les intempéries suisses, ce totem avait vieilli et menaçait ces derniers mois de tomber.

Le COE a donc décidé, en concertation avec les donateurs du totem, de le faire reposer désormais à l’horizontal. Cette pratique est en accord avec les traditions indiennes, pour qui un totem n’est évidemment pas considéré comme éternel et doit donc pouvoir retourner à la terre, pour compléter le cycle de la vie.

Dimanche 17 février, un temps de commémoration a été organisé à l’institut de Bossey, durant le comité central du COE, pour marquer ce moment de la “descente du totem” de Vancouver.
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Posted: Feb. 18, 2008 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=430
Categories: News • In this article: Indigenous peoples, WCC Transmis : 18 févr. 2008 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=430
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : Indigenous peoples, WCC

Christian-Muslim dialogues receiving more attention

A few years ago, other than a few specialists in Christian-Muslim dialogue, the average churchgoer would have little awareness of the tentative steps taken in dialogue between Christians and Muslims. The Danish cartoon controversy and Pope Benedict’s comments at a lecture in Regensburg re-focused attention on the difficult relationship between Christianity and Islam. Since then, there has been an intentional effort to bring more publicity to the existing forms of dialogue. There have also been new forums for dialogue established.
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Posted: Dec. 17, 2008 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=536
Categories: Communiqué, Dialogue, Documents • In this article: Catholic, Christian, Christianity, interfaith, Islam, statements, Vatican, WCC Transmis : 17 déc. 2008 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=536
Catégorie : Communiqué, Dialogue, Documents • Dans cet article : Catholic, Christian, Christianity, interfaith, Islam, statements, Vatican, WCC

WCC Faith & Order issues are relevant for Mennonites

WCC dialogue questions relevant for Mennonites says Neufeld

How and where does the global church discuss issues such as the nature and mission of the church, sources of authority and moral discernment in the churches? One long-standing forum for important discussions such as these is the Faith and Order Plenary Commission of the World Council of Churches. This body, while not officially decision-making, gathered in Kolympari, Crete, 7-13 October 2009.

… continued
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Posted: Dec. 15, 2009 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=622
Categories: Dialogue • In this article: ecclesiology, Mennonite, Mennonite World Conference, theology, WCC Transmis : 15 déc. 2009 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=622
Catégorie : Dialogue • Dans cet article : ecclesiology, Mennonite, Mennonite World Conference, theology, WCC

Apply now: Stewards Programme 2011

Young Christians from around the world are invited to apply to the World Council of Churches (WCC) stewards programme for one of two hands-on learning experiences at major ecumenical meetings in 2011, the WCC Central Committee meeting, 8-24 February, and the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation, 12-26 May. Applicants must be between the age of 18-30 years.

During the meetings stewards will work in the areas of worship, conference room, documentation, press office, sound, and other administrative and support tasks.

The WCC Central Committee meets every 18 months in Geneva, Switzerland to monitor and set directions to the Council’s work. The meeting brings together about 150 church representatives, advisers and observers from WCC member churches and associated organizations worldwide. Twenty stewards will help to make this event happen.
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Posted: Aug. 18, 2010 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=634
Categories: WCC News • In this article: peace, WCC, WCC Central Committee, youth Transmis : 18 aoüt 2010 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=634
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : peace, WCC, WCC Central Committee, youth

Another Canadian Anglican ecumenist appointed to WCC post

Another Canadian Anglican has been appointed to an international ecumenical post. Ecumenism in Canada congratulates Natasha Klukach on her new role at the WCC.

Natasha Klukach, General Synod’s coordinator for ecumenical relations, has been appointed to an international role that will make the most of her strong theological and relationship-building skills.

The Executive Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) has approved her appointment as Programme Executive: Church and Ecumenical Relations / North American Regional Relations at the WCC office in Geneva, Switzerland. Ms. Klukach is ready to take up her appointment in January 2011.
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Posted: Oct. 13, 2010 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=647
Categories: News • In this article: Anglican, Canada, WCC Transmis : 13 oct. 2010 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=647
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : Anglican, Canada, WCC

Faith and Order at 100

Tuesday 19 October 2010 marks the 100th anniversary of the Faith and Order movement. “Faith and Order” seeks Christian unity through theological dialogue among representatives of various churches.

The beginnings of Faith and Order are closely linked to the World Missionary Conference of June 1910 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The focus of the Edinburgh Conference was cooperation in global Christian mission. Questions around church-dividing issues and controversial points of doctrine were intentionally avoided during public discussions in Edinburgh, yet they were in the minds of many who attended.

One participant in the conference was Charles Brent, a Canadian by birth, a missionary bishop then serving in the Philippines on behalf of the Episcopal Church of the United States of America. The idea of a Faith and Order conference began with Bishop Brent, who made the link between the Edinburgh Conference with its call for Christian unity and the need to resolve issues of faith and order in the divided churches.
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Posted: Oct. 14, 2010 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=648
Categories: News • In this article: 1927, WCC, WCC Commission on Faith & Order Transmis : 14 oct. 2010 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=648
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : 1927, WCC, WCC Commission on Faith & Order

Celebrating Easter Together

By Nicholas Jesson On April 24th next year, we will celebrate Easter together in the Eastern and Western calendars. This happens occasionally, and it can always be a moment of great ecumenical opportunity. However, it also reflects one of the deepest divisions in the Body of Christ. Easter, as the celebration of the passion, death,
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Posted: Oct. 27, 2010 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=6263
Categories: Opinion • In this article: Christian unity, dialogue, Easter, ecumenism, WCC Transmis : 27 oct. 2010 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=6263
Catégorie : Opinion • Dans cet article : Christian unity, dialogue, Easter, ecumenism, WCC

Ecumenical news agency suspended, editors removed

Ecumenical News International, an award-winning agency reporting on religion and based at the World Council of Churches (WCC), has been temporarily closed and had its two top editors removed, one of them said on Monday.

The decision, taken at a meeting of its executive committee last week, comes after the Geneva-based WCC cut the agency’s funding and its former head criticised its coverage.

The suspension and leadership changes led to the resignation of the ENI president and its treasurer, both senior figures in Scandinavian Protestant churches, a report by the agency said.
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Posted: Dec. 20, 2010 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=10679
Categories: News • In this article: news, WCC Transmis : 20 déc. 2010 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=10679
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : news, WCC

Communiqué: Joint Working Group between RCC and WCC

The island of Malta located in the Mediterranean Sea between Italy and the shores of Tunisia and Libya was the setting for the last plenary meeting of the Joint Working Group between the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) and the World Council of Churches (WCC) before the forthcoming WCC assembly in 2013 in Busan (Korea). Malta has been at the crossroads of Europe, Northern Africa and the Middle East throughout its history. According to Acts 28, the Apostle Paul stayed three months on the island following his shipwreck on the way to Rome. While a prisoner, he established the Church in Malta that remains faithful to its apostolic origins until today. Meeting in Rome and Damascus before, the members of the JWG were again reminded of the breadth of St. Paul’s missionary vision of the church and community in Christ. Our deliberations were guided by the words of St. Paul to “receive one another just as Christ has received you, for the glory of God” (Rom 15:7).
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Posted: Nov. 5, 2011 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=1830
Categories: Communiqué • In this article: Catholic, ecumenism, Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, WCC Transmis : 5 nov. 2011 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=1830
Catégorie : Communiqué • Dans cet article : Catholic, ecumenism, Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, WCC

Canadian churches reflect on identity in a multi-religious world

Churches in Canada addressed challenging questions, with a strong interfaith perspective, while responding to the document “Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World: Guidelines for Conduct” in an event held at the University of Toronto on 22 November.

The document “Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World: Guidelines for Conduct” was launched by the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and the World Evangelical Alliance in June. It was commended to the churches for reflections in their own particular contexts.
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Posted: Nov. 28, 2011 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=1825
Categories: News • In this article: Canada, evangelism/evangelization, interfaith, multifaith, Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, proselytism, WCC, World Evangelical Alliance Transmis : 28 nov. 2011 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=1825
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : Canada, evangelism/evangelization, interfaith, multifaith, Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, proselytism, WCC, World Evangelical Alliance

Equal rights for all the measure for assessing freedom of religion

An international study process developed by the World Council of Churches (WCC) is preparing a report on freedom of religion as a fundamental human right for all.

The fundamental rights of freedom of religion or belief are often violated by both governments and individuals, acting either on their own behalf or as members of majority groups. Despite significant initiatives taken by states and the international community, religious minorities in several parts of the world are becoming the targets of discrimination, acts of violence or hostility and persecution because of their religion.

The extent to which freedom of religion or belief can be considered as an absolute right in pluralistic societies, as well as its relation to various aspects of human rights, was the centre of discussion among experts who participated at an international consultation organized by the WCC’s Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA).
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Posted: Dec. 6, 2011 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=1827
Categories: WCC News • In this article: human rights, religious freedom, WCC Transmis : 6 déc. 2011 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=1827
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : human rights, religious freedom, WCC

Recommendations for advancing towards Christian unity

Representatives of a broad range of Christian churches and organizations met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 14 to 19 January to complete a report and make recommendations for significant advances toward Christian unity and inter-religious cooperation.
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Posted: Jan. 26, 2012 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=2222
Categories: Documents • In this article: Christian unity, ecumenism, WCC Transmis : 26 janv. 2012 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=2222
Catégorie : Documents • Dans cet article : Christian unity, ecumenism, WCC

The Unity We Seek: Exploring Hopes and Challenges for Ecumenism Today

“Unity” belongs to the concepts that should be constantly discussed. Life is changing, also the life of the churches and their life together. So are their understanding of unity, their challenges to unity and their contributions to it.

Images can stimulate our reflections, without saying everything or being exclusive, they can nurture our imagination and our ability to be creative. Images from nature can give us a sense of reality, and a deeper sense of how we are a part of a living reality. I have been reflecting on an image, actually a photo, that give me some new insights, deepening my reflections on this topic that I have been discussing and striving for during the last 20 years of study and work. The photo is of some lichen, growing in a circle, across the deep crevice in the rock on which they grow. It seems to be challenged by the split in the rock, but nevertheless grows across it. This striking image has encouraged me to look at unity as something of a double reality. It is growing life, yet still making a structure. It belongs to the essential nature of this lichen to grow in circles, to become part of a unity. I am told by my dear colleague from Tanzania that the same is true for banana trees, they also grow like families in circles. The photo taken just outside our small summer house at the coast of Norway last summer, is from a bare rock next to the sea on a small island, out in the big sea that unites Norway with the continent of Europe and further more with the whole globe. I wonder what images in Canadian nature might inspire you to these kinds of reflections.

Thus, I believe that «Unity» is a concept that requires complementary perspectives. I have brought my reflections together in 10 pairs of perspectives, describing unity, to offer you here for your consideration today.
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Posted: Mar. 14, 2012 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=9702
Categories: Opinion • In this article: Olav Fykse Tveit, WCC Transmis : 14 mars 2012 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=9702
Catégorie : Opinion • Dans cet article : Olav Fykse Tveit, WCC

A Church divided is not whole in God – Rev. Tveit

There’s nothing more Catholic than ecumenism, nothing more Christian than unity, nothing more urgent than the need to heal divisions in the body of Christ, but none of it will happen based on resentments, fears and identity politics, the head of the World Council of Churches told a couple hundred people in Toronto March 14.

On his first official visit to Canada, Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit laid out challenges to ecumenism which he said oppose the Christian mandate to fulfill the Lord’s Prayer — “Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven.”

“We are forced to ask whether we are seeking a consensus for the sake of our own institution, for our tradition, for our own group,” said Tveit. “Or if we are seeking a consensus that is giving space for the other, for the wholeness of God’s Church and God’s creation.”
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Posted: Mar. 21, 2012 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=6978
Categories: Catholic Register • In this article: Olav Fykse Tveit, WCC Transmis : 21 mars 2012 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=6978
Catégorie : Catholic Register • Dans cet article : Olav Fykse Tveit, WCC

WCC F&O Commission approves new theological agreement

At a historic meeting in Malaysia, the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on Faith and Order approved a new theological agreement and proposed a major restructuring of its work in the future.

The commission approved the text on “The Church: Towards a Common Vision” the second convergence document in the history of Faith and Order. The WCC director of Faith and Order, Canon John Gibaut, explains that “this ‘convergence’ text show how closely the members of the commission are able to come together to agree on what it means to be the one Church of Jesus Christ. The agreement reached by the commission then will be tested among the churches.”

— Read the complete story on our website
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Posted: July 3, 2012 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=2199
Categories: WCC News • In this article: church, ecclesiology, ecumenism, WCC, WCC Commission on Faith & Order Transmis : 3 juil. 2012 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=2199
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : church, ecclesiology, ecumenism, WCC, WCC Commission on Faith & Order

WCC statement invokes new understanding of mission

The first ecumenical affirmation of mission since 1982, invoking a new understanding of mission and evangelism amidst a changing world and ecclesial landscape, has been presented to the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC). The statement, titled “Together towards life: Mission and Evangelism in changing landscapes”, was prepared by the WCC’s Commission on World Mission and Evangelism (CWME). It was presented to the WCC Central Committee on Thursday, 30 August.
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Posted: Aug. 30, 2012 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=2239
Categories: Documents, News • In this article: mission, statements, WCC, WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Transmis : 30 aoüt 2012 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=2239
Catégorie : Documents, News • Dans cet article : mission, statements, WCC, WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism

Le don et l’appel à l’unité de Dieu – et notre engagement

Au cours de notre cheminement œcuménique, nous sommes parvenus à mieux comprendre l’appel lancé par Dieu à l’Église à servir l’unité de l’ensemble de la création. La vocation de l’Église est d’être: un avant-goût de la nouvelle création, un signe prophétique, pour le monde entier, de la vie nouvelle que Dieu veut pour toutes et tous, ainsi qu’un serviteur propageant la Bonne Nouvelle du Royaume de justice, de paix et d’amour de Dieu.
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Posted: Aug. 30, 2012 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=6461
Categories: Documents • In this article: Christian unity, statements, WCC, WCC Assembly Transmis : 30 aoüt 2012 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=6461
Catégorie : Documents • Dans cet article : Christian unity, statements, WCC, WCC Assembly

God’s Gift and Call to Unity – and our Commitment

On our ecumenical journey we have come to understand more about God’s call to the Church to serve the unity of all creation. The vocation of the Church is to be: foretaste of new creation; prophetic sign to the whole world of the life God intends for all; and servant spreading the good news of God’s Kingdom of justice, peace and love.
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Posted: Aug. 30, 2012 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=6458
Categories: Documents • In this article: Christian unity, statements, WCC, WCC Assembly Transmis : 30 aoüt 2012 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=6458
Catégorie : Documents • Dans cet article : Christian unity, statements, WCC, WCC Assembly

Christian unity is intrinsic to God’s grace

“Christian unity is an intrinsic dimension of God’s grace to us. It belongs to our faith, as we also confess it together in the creeds of the early church. To belong to Christ means to belong to the body of Christ, the church,” said Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC). He was referring to the covenanting process of five church denominations in Wales.
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Posted: Oct. 17, 2012 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=2276
Categories: News • In this article: Christian unity, ecumenism, Olav Fykse Tveit, WCC Transmis : 17 oct. 2012 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=2276
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : Christian unity, ecumenism, Olav Fykse Tveit, WCC

WCC issues new Faith and Order convergence text on Church

In a World Council of Churches (WCC) governance meeting, The Church: Towards a Common Vision, a convergence text of the Commission on Faith and Order, was officially presented by the WCC general secretary, Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit. Tveit launched The Church at the WCC Executive Committee meeting on 6 March, which took place at the Bossey Ecumenical Institute in Switzerland. “The Commission on Faith and Order presents to us a gift, a statement about the Church,” stated Tveit in his foreword to The Church. “Work on ecclesiology relates to everything the Church is and what its mission implies in and for the world. It reflects the constitutional aims and self-identity of the WCC as a fellowship of churches who call each other to the goal of visible unity,” he added. The Church identifies what Christians can say together about the Church in order to grow in communion, to struggle together for justice and peace, and to overcome together their past and present divisions. After twenty years in the making, The Church was approved by the Standing Commission on Faith and Order at its 2012 meeting in Penang, Malaysia. It was later received by the WCC Central Committee and commended to the churches for study and formal response. It is the second convergence text to be approved in the long life of the commission, the first being the Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry which was celebrated at the WCC 6th Assembly in Vancouver (1982).
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Posted: Mar. 7, 2013 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=3477
Categories: Dialogue, Documents, WCC News • In this article: Christian unity, church, dialogue, ecclesiology, ecumenism, WCC Transmis : 7 mars 2013 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=3477
Catégorie : Dialogue, Documents, WCC News • Dans cet article : Christian unity, church, dialogue, ecclesiology, ecumenism, WCC

World’s first Arms Trade Treaty is a milestone

The world’s first Arms Trade Treaty is “a milestone in efforts to bring commerce in deadly weapons under much-needed controls,” according to the general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC). “This long-overdue act of international governance means that people in many parts of the world who live in fear for their lives will eventually be safer,” the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit commented on Arms Trade Treaty, adopted on 2 April, voted by 155 countries at the United Nations in New York, USA. “Churches in all regions share in the suffering caused by armed violence,” Tveit noted. “We can all now give thanks that national authorities responsible for public safety and well-being have finally adopted binding regulations for the global arms trade.”
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Posted: Apr. 3, 2013 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=3569
Categories: WCC News • In this article: arms trade, peace, United Nations, WCC Transmis : 3 avril 2013 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=3569
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : arms trade, peace, United Nations, WCC

WCC pays tribute to Emilio Castro

Emilio Castro, 85, pastor, ecumenist, and missionary statesman, April 6, 2013, in Montevideo, Uruguay. Castro grew up in Montevideo and studied at the theological faculty in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before serving Methodist congregations in Uruguay and Bolivia. In the 1960s he participated in ecumenical activities that paved the way for the formation of the Latin American Council of Churches in 1979. During the severe political and social unrest of the 1970s, he was involved in fostering dialogue between political groupings. Castro joined the World Council of Churches (WCC) as director of the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism in 1973, and then from 1985 to 1992 he served as general secretary of the WCC and was editor of the Ecumenical Review. Castro received a doctorate from the University of Lausanne in 1984. His publications include Freedom in Mission: The Perspective of the Kingdom of God–an Ecumenical Inquiry (1985), When We Pray Together (1989), and, in the International Bulletin of Missionary Research, “Liberation, Development, and Evangelism: Must We Choose Mission?” (2, no. 3 [1978]: 87-90), and part I of “Mission in the 1990s” (14, no. 4 [1990]: 146-49).
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Posted: Apr. 8, 2013 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=6648
Categories: Memorials, WCC News • In this article: ecumenism, WCC Transmis : 8 avril 2013 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=6648
Catégorie : Memorials, WCC News • Dans cet article : ecumenism, WCC

Buddhist-Christian encounter to explore new mode of dialogue

An upcoming World Council of Churches (WCC) consultation in Bangkok will attempt a distinctive mode of inter-religious dialogue.

In collaboration with the Christian Conference of Asia and organized by the WCC unit on Inter-religious Dialogue and Cooperation an “interface” of 25 Buddhists and Christians will take place 27 to 31 May in Bangkok, Thailand, and center on themes of life, justice and peace, central elements in the WCC 10th Assembly theme.

“Today’s multi-religious environment does not just provide Christians with the ‘context for’ engaging in the pursuit of life, justice and peace; rather it opens the possibility of ‘collaboration with’ people from other faiths who are already engaged in such pursuits,” said Peniel Rajkumar, programme executive in the WCC’s inter-religious dialogue unit.
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Posted: May 21, 2013 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=4556
Categories: WCC News • In this article: Buddhist, Christian, Christianity, dialogue, WCC, WCC Assembly Transmis : 21 mai 2013 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=4556
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : Buddhist, Christian, Christianity, dialogue, WCC, WCC Assembly

Tveit calls for critical understanding of religion in international arena

The general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, on 3 June spoke to a United Nations conference in Geneva, where he addressed “the role of religion in the search for justice and peace.”

The conference at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, was called by UN Geneva director general Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in search of “a comprehensive framework” or new paradigm for UN work with its partners in the areas of global economy, ecology, education, health, security, and governance.

Calling for “an open, proper, critical and constructive reflection on the role of religion in our work for justice and peace and in our local and global life together,” Tveit urged the international community to grapple more deeply with religion. “It must go beyond discussions about ‘misuse’ of religion,” he said.

“It must also include a self-critical reflection on what our religions are teaching and representing today.”
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Posted: June 9, 2013 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=5924
Categories: WCC News • In this article: justice, Olav Fykse Tveit, peace, United Nations, WCC Transmis : 9 juin 2013 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=5924
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : justice, Olav Fykse Tveit, peace, United Nations, WCC

WCC and LWF laud full communion between Canada’s Anglicans and Lutherans

The Lutheran World Federation has lauded the full communion of Canada’s Lutheran and Anglican churches, marked in an unprecedented Joint Assembly as a key development that can help global church unity.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) and the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) held their first fully integrated national gathering in Ottawa, from July 3 to 7 Lutheran World Information has reported.

The churches entered into a relationship of full communion, called the Waterloo Declaration in 2001, which means they work closely together in all respects, exchanging clergy and establishing joint congregations, while remaining separate church bodies.

At the meeting the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit expressed deep admiration for the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada for holding their first-ever joint assembly in Ottawa, Canada.

“You have refused to say ‘I have no need of you’ [1 Corinthians 12:21] but rather have said that with the other you can better live out your calling as churches here in Canada and the world,” said Tveit, a Norwegian theologian.

“You do this in the context of belonging to a much bigger Christian family, therefore the efforts you make have the potential to transform beyond yourselves.”
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Posted: July 9, 2013 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=6882
Categories: Lutheran World Information • In this article: Anglican Church of Canada, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, full communion, Lutheran World Federation, WCC Transmis : 9 juil. 2013 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=6882
Catégorie : Lutheran World Information • Dans cet article : Anglican Church of Canada, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, full communion, Lutheran World Federation, WCC

WCC 10th Assembly: hopes and aspirations

The 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) begins at the end of October and promises to be one of the most diverse gathering of Christians in the world.

The assembly will be an opportunity for renewing the worldwide ecumenical movement – infusing it with honesty, humility and hope, according to the WCC general secretary.

As to why this is the case, Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, WCC general secretary, and a Lutheran pastor from the Church of Norway says, it is “through humility, honesty and hope that we can live together as humanity and a Church in a world, where justice and peace are fundamental initiatives and not merely words.”

The theme of the WCC assembly is a prayer “God of life, lead us to justice and peace”.

The assembly will take place from 30 October to 8 November in Busan, Republic of Korea.

It will bring around 3,000 participants from Asia, Pacific, Africa, Europe, Middle East, North America and Latin America, including a large number of young people and several thousand Korean Christians.
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Posted: Oct. 10, 2013 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=6821
Categories: WCC News • In this article: Olav Fykse Tveit, WCC, WCC Assembly Transmis : 10 oct. 2013 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=6821
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : Olav Fykse Tveit, WCC, WCC Assembly

WCC assembly opens with prayers, reflections and great hopes

The 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) opened on Wednesday, 30 October in Busan, Republic of Korea under the theme “God of life, lead us to justice and peace.”

The opening service of common prayer on the first day of the assembly honoured diverse faith traditions from around the world. The gathering prayer included deeply moving litanies of lamentations, cries and hopes from the churches in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America and the Pacific.

The first plenary session of the assembly welcomed delegates and participants to Busan. The mayor of Busan, Hur Nam Sik, moderator of the Korean Host Committee of the WCC assembly the Rev. Dr Kim Sam Whan and the WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit welcomed all the assembly participants.

Tveit expressed thanks to the Korean churches, the city of Busan and the government for their gracious hospitality and welcome. Tveit addressed participants of the assembly which includes some 3000 participants representing 345 member churches of the WCC, including youth, WCC staff members, stewards, co-opted staff, interpreters and more than 1,000 Korean church members and day visitors. All these participants represent more than 100 countries.
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Posted: Oct. 30, 2013 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=6908
Categories: WCC News • In this article: WCC, WCC Assembly Transmis : 30 oct. 2013 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=6908
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : WCC, WCC Assembly

Cantwell: Listening to the voices of those on the margins

Today the message that came through most strongly for me is the importance of listening to the voices of those on the margins. Jesus lived his life and exercised his ministry among those on the margins of society. It is those who are excluded, oppressed, ignored and persecuted in society who are best able to see and name injustices and the structures that sustain them. So our theology must have at its centre the experiences and perspective of those who are marginalized. This is a real challenge for those of us who come from a place of privilege… who are used to having our voice and our perspective listened to. We must relinquish our place at the centre and make room for those who have been silenced to be heard and given priority. This both excites and frightens me… I’m not always very good at shutting up and letting others have the spotlight. But as Christians we must be willing to go where Jesus went, love whom he loved, and risk what he risked. May God grant us the courage and the humility to do so.
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Posted: Oct. 31, 2013 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=6904
Categories: On the Road to Busan • In this article: WCC, WCC Assembly Transmis : 31 oct. 2013 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=6904
Catégorie : On the Road to Busan • Dans cet article : WCC, WCC Assembly

WCC 2013: the Public Issues Committee

The past few days I have been in almost non-stop committee meetings. The Public Issues Committee drafts statements for the assembly to discuss and adopt. These statements then direct the programmatic priorities of the WCC for the next 7-8 years.

Negotiating linguistic, cultural, and theological differences in order to say something in common about the many urgent issues which confront our churches at this time has been both challenging and fascinating. The committees are a microcosm of the whole assembly. It is inspiring to witness (and participate in) the deep listening to one another that allows for fruitful dialogue and collective action.

Tomorrow we take the draft statements to the whole assembly, where nearly 800 delegates will prayerfully try to reach consensus on pressing (and sometimes controversial) issues. We will need the prayers of all our sisters and brothers in Christ to accompany us through this important and difficult work.

May the God of life truly lead us to justice and peace.
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Posted: Nov. 3, 2013 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=6920
Categories: On the Road to Busan • In this article: WCC, WCC Assembly Transmis : 3 nov. 2013 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=6920
Catégorie : On the Road to Busan • Dans cet article : WCC, WCC Assembly

WCC welcomes Pope Francis’ challenging and inviting Apostolic Exhortation

The Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium recently delivered by Pope Francis concerning the proclamation of the Gospel in today’s world has stirred interest and appreciation from the World Council of Churches (WCC) as a challenging and inviting document.

“The Apostolic Exhortation is more than simply conveying the message of the Synod on evangelization, but addresses the need for the renewal of the church at all levels from the perspective of the call to be a missional church,” WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit said.

“The tone of the document is open and both challenging and inviting,” he added. “It is really inspiring to read as we now try to implement the mandate from our recent assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea. It provides an inspiring interaction between ecclesiological reflections, missionary perspectives and concerns about economic, ecological justice and peace building as significant missionary dimensions of the church.”

“At the recent WCC 10th assembly in Busan we too highlighted the need for the renewal of the church both through a new mission statement that speaks of mission being from the margins of society, and the movement of the church and ecumenical movement toward justice and peace,” Tveit said.

Tveit added that he sees parallels between the “pilgrimage of justice and peace” the WCC fellowship of 345 member churches will be embarking on, especially now after the November assembly and the reflections of Pope Francis.

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Posted: Dec. 2, 2013 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=6929
Categories: WCC News • In this article: Catholic, evangelism/evangelization, mission, Pope Francis, WCC, WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Transmis : 2 déc. 2013 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=6929
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : Catholic, evangelism/evangelization, mission, Pope Francis, WCC, WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism

Guide to WCC Common Vision document published

Aptly released for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the Anglican Communion Office has produced a study guide to the World Council of Churches (WCC) document The Church: Towards a Common Vision, the result of 20 years of study and dialogue among the council’s member churches, who represent most of the world’s churches.

The WCC published Towards a Common Vision in March 2013 and asked its members to study it and comment on it. According to the WCC’s introduction, the document asks and offers answers to the questions “What can we say together about the Church of the Triune God in order to grow in communion, to struggle together for justice and peace in the world, and to overcome together our past and present divisions?” It begins by addressing “the Church’s mission, unity, and its being in the Trinitarian life of God” and then looks at ecumenical “growth in communion – in apostolic faith, sacramental life, and ministry – as churches called to live in and for the world.”
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Posted: Jan. 20, 2014 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=7195
Categories: Anglican Journal • In this article: church, dialogue, ecclesiology, ecumenism, WCC, WCC Commission on Faith & Order Transmis : 20 janv. 2014 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=7195
Catégorie : Anglican Journal • Dans cet article : church, dialogue, ecclesiology, ecumenism, WCC, WCC Commission on Faith & Order

Which global church? The Pentecostal World Fellowship and the WCC

The new Calvary Convention Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was filled nearly to capacity as 3,710 Pentecostals gathered from 73 countries around the world. They came to this mostly Muslim country for the 23rd Pentecostal World Conference, a global gathering which takes place every three years. The host was Calvary Church, a Pentecostal megachurch in Kuala Lumpur whose lead pastor, Prince Guneratnam, is currently chair of the Pentecostal World Fellowship.

Many participants at the August meeting were young and reflected the enthusiasm of the fastest-growing segment of the Christian world. In 1970 Pentecostals accounted for only 5 percent of all Christians, but today Pentecostals and charismatics—including those in other denominations who exercise Pentecostal or charismatic gifts—constitute 25 percent of all the world’s Christians. In Asia, 80 percent of all Christian conversions are to Pentecostal forms of Christianity. Or think of it this way: one out of 12 people alive today is Pentecostal.
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Posted: Jan. 21, 2014 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=7197
Categories: Opinion • In this article: Christian unity, Pentecostal World Fellowship, WCC Transmis : 21 janv. 2014 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=7197
Catégorie : Opinion • Dans cet article : Christian unity, Pentecostal World Fellowship, WCC

German ecumenical groups respond to a call for “pilgrimage of justice and peace”

More than 400 representatives of German ecumenical groups attending an assembly in Mainz, Germany have affirmed their commitment to move forward in a “pilgrimage of justice and peace” – a call from the World Council of Churches’ (WCC) Busan assembly. The ecumenical assembly in Mainz, held from 30 April to 4 May, addressed the theme “The future we desire – Life not destruction”. The event was organized by a network of ecumenical groups in Germany, encouraging actions from the churches inspired by the call for a “pilgrimage of justice and peace”. Featuring vibrant discussions on political, social, economic and ecological issues, as well as theological reflections, the Mainz assembly focused on themes such as “earth as our home”, ecumenical spirituality, economy of life, climate justice and “just peace”. The sessions at the assembly were attended by local visitors along with the registered participants. Some 151 workshops were organized at the assembly addressing a number of themes, including seminars on transformative spirituality.
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Posted: May 5, 2014 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=7543
Categories: WCC News • In this article: ecumenism, WCC Transmis : 5 mai 2014 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=7543
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : ecumenism, WCC

New initiatives explore relationships between ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue

Addressing the urgency of witnessing to the gospel in current ecumenical and multi-religious situations, the World Council of Churches (WCC) will develop materials to assist churches engaged in both ecumenical dialogue and inter-religious dialogue.

Ecumenical dialogue is about conversations between different Christian churches while inter-religious dialogue is concerned with the conversations between different world religions.

The agreement to produce these materials were an outcome of vigorous conversations in a recent meeting, organized by the WCC’s Commission on Faith and Order and the WCC’s programme for inter-religious dialogue and cooperation, from 12 to14 May at the Ecumenical Institute, Bossey, Switzerland.

Questions related to the relationship between ecumenical and inter-religious dialogues, their commonalities and distinctive features, were in focus at the meeting.
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Posted: May 16, 2014 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=7565
Categories: Communiqué, WCC News • In this article: dialogue, ecumenism, interfaith, WCC, WCC Commission on Faith & Order Transmis : 16 mai 2014 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=7565
Catégorie : Communiqué, WCC News • Dans cet article : dialogue, ecumenism, interfaith, WCC, WCC Commission on Faith & Order

WCC urges Christian responsibility in economic measures related to Israel-Palestine conflict

Continuing with a long-time commitment of the World Council of Churches (WCC), a recent statement issued by Council’s chief governing body reaffirms churches’ “solidarity with those working for peace with justice in Palestine and Israel”. The statement encourages churches to make responsible decisions regarding their investments which have an impact on the current situation in the region.

The statement titled Economic Measures and Christian Responsibility towards Israel and Palestine was adopted at the WCC Central Committee meeting on 8 July in Geneva, Switzerland.

The document calls “targeted economic measures” an important “non-violent strategy for promoting peace and abating violence”. Efforts from the WCC member churches in implementing responsible economic measures with related impact on Israel and Palestine situation were acknowledged in the statement.
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Posted: July 14, 2014 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=7719
Categories: WCC News • In this article: Israel, Palestine, WCC Transmis : 14 juil. 2014 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=7719
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : Israel, Palestine, WCC

Global Church groups agree to confront Christian discrimination, persecution and martyrdom together

Discrimination, persecution and violence against Christians and churches around the world is set for further exposure after a group representing high profile Christian churches and organizations agreed to pursue together an international response on the issue.

A meeting convened by the Global Christian Forum in Strasbourg, France, including representatives from the Vatican, the World Council of Churches, the World Evangelical Alliance and the Pentecostal World Fellowship, agreed on 9 September to press ahead with a global gathering on the issue of ‘Christian discrimination, persecution and martyrdom’ for late 2015.
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Posted: Sept. 10, 2014 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=7775
Categories: News • In this article: Global Christian Forum, martyrdom, Pentecostal World Fellowship, persecution, Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, religious freedom, WCC, World Evangelical Alliance Transmis : 10 sept. 2014 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=7775
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : Global Christian Forum, martyrdom, Pentecostal World Fellowship, persecution, Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, religious freedom, WCC, World Evangelical Alliance

Interfaith declaration on climate change

As hundreds of thousands of people flooded through the streets of New York City on 21 September in a march for action on climate change, 30 faith leaders representing nine religions signed their names to a statement calling for concrete actions to curb carbon emissions. The document was the centrepiece of an interfaith conference jointly hosted by the World Council of Churches (WCC), a body that includes 345 churches representing about 560 million Christians worldwide, and Religions for Peace, an interfaith coalition with members in more than 70 countries. Signatories hailed from 21 countries on six continents. “When in January I listened to the general secretary of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon, calling the world’s heads of state for a summit on climate change, I thought we also have to get together as leaders of faith communities to offer our contributions,” said Rev. Dr Olav Fkyse Tveit, the WCC general secretary. Large changes require “deep and strong conviction” which, he said, can be found in the “beliefs, rituals, symbols, sacred texts and prayers of faith [that] give meaning and direction for a large portion of the world’s population.”
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Posted: Sept. 22, 2014 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=7824
Categories: WCC News • In this article: climate change, interfaith, WCC Transmis : 22 sept. 2014 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=7824
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : climate change, interfaith, WCC

WEA and WCC representatives explore possibilities of working together

In the light of current global realities, representatives of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) and the World Council of Churches (WCC) met from 20 to 21 January at the Chateau of Bossey, Switzerland to explore and discuss possible areas of future cooperation. The meeting featured introductions to the work of the WEA and the WCC, and participants reflected together on current developments in society and churches, and in evangelical and ecumenical movements. They shared current plans and discussed possibilities for closer collaboration. Stressing the significance of being Christian witnesses, the meeting participants also identified various ways of responding together to the needs of communities around the world. Together the participants read the Scriptures and reflected on similar and different understandings of mission and evangelism. They prayed together and shared stories of faith. Recognizing the importance of a joint response to a suffering world, the participants agreed to continue to meet in order to identify further areas of possible cooperation.
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Posted: Jan. 22, 2015 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=7953
Categories: WCC News • In this article: ecumenism, WCC, World Evangelical Alliance Transmis : 22 janv. 2015 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=7953
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : ecumenism, WCC, World Evangelical Alliance

Pilgrims of climate justice plan to impact COP 21 in Paris

Thousands of people are planning to embark on a pilgrimage of climate justice – either on foot or on bicycles – in many parts of the world. These faithful pilgrims, rooted in their religious beliefs, want to express solidarity with those affected by climate change – urging world leaders to produce a legally binding and universal agreement on the climate at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris. These pilgrims, mostly from Europe and Africa, are mobilized by Christian organizations representing members of the World Council of Churches (WCC). Some will end their journey in Paris, uniting their voices with other faith actors at the COP 21 to be held from 30 November to 11 December 2015. “Paris is a milestone in our pilgrimage of climate justice,” said Dr Guillermo Kerber, WCC programme executive for Care for Creation and Climate Justice. “Yet Paris is not a destination. As people of faith, expected to offer a moral compass to climate dialogue, we need to strategize for 2016 and beyond,” he said.
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Posted: Jan. 23, 2015 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=7956
Categories: WCC News • In this article: climate change, justice, United Nations, WCC Transmis : 23 janv. 2015 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=7956
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : climate change, justice, United Nations, WCC

Odair Pedroso Mateus named director of WCC Faith and Order Commission

Rev. Dr Odair Pedroso Mateus, professor of ecumenical theology at the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey, Switzerland and acting director of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on Faith and Order, has been confirmed as the new Faith and Order director. He has been appointed by the executive committee of the WCC, at their meeting in Armenia 8-12 June, on the recommendation of the general secretary, supported by the clear and unanimous recommendation from a search panel representing the Faith and Order Commission and senior staff of the WCC. A pastor of the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil, Odair Mateus has worked for the World Alliance of Reformed Churches where he run its bilateral ecumenical dialogues and edited its quarterly journal. He has served both the Faith and Order secretariat in Geneva and the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey since 2007. The director’s position fell open after the Rev. Canon Dr John Gibaut left Geneva for London in early 2015 to become director for Unity, Faith and Order of the world-wide Anglican Communion. Mateus has been supervising the work of Faith and Order office as acting director.
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Posted: June 12, 2015 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=8573
Categories: WCC News • In this article: Odair Mateus, WCC, WCC Commission on Faith & Order Transmis : 12 juin 2015 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=8573
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : Odair Mateus, WCC, WCC Commission on Faith & Order

Joint Working Group: 50 years of mutual commitment

During the week of 22 June 2015, the 50th anniversary of the Joint Working Group between the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches will be celebrated by the church leaders. A public event to mark the anniversary will be held at the Centro Pro Unione in Rome, Italy on 23 June.

One of the ecumenical legacies of improved relations among churches growing from the Second Vatican Council, the JWG has been instrumental since 1965 in coordinating activities of the WCC, its member churches, related ecumenical bodies and the Catholic commissions and councils engaged in theological discourse and common action throughout the world.

The working group has met regularly over the past half-century and has published reports of its activities. The JWG is co-moderated by Metropolitan and Archbishop Nifon of Targoviste from the Romanian Orthodox Church, a member of the WCC central and executive committees, and Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of the Catholic Church.

Over the past 50 years, Roman Catholics have become full members of the Faith and Order Commission coordinated by the WCC, provided staff in the WCC areas of evangelization and theological education and sent observer delegations to participate in WCC assemblies and other major conferences. Reciprocal arrangements have been implemented, with active Orthodox and Protestant participation in Catholic forums.

From 1968 through 1983, the WCC and Roman Catholic Church experimented with common social policies and service ministries within a commission on society, development and peace (SODEPAX). In 2011, the WCC, Roman Catholic Pontifical Council on Inter-religious Dialogue and the World Evangelical Alliance jointly published landmark recommendations on the writing of churches’ guidelines on mission and evangelization, Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World.
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Posted: June 22, 2015 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=8592
Categories: WCC News • In this article: ecumenism, Paul VI, WCC Transmis : 22 juin 2015 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=8592
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : ecumenism, Paul VI, WCC

Marking 50 years of ecumenical partnership

Last month, Rome was the venue of the 50-year anniversary of the Joint Working Group (JWG) of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Roman Catholic Church (RCC). Established in 1965, as a consequence of the pro-ecumenical Second Vatican Council, the JWG met in the Italian capital June 22–24 to begin its 10th round of ecumenical conversations.

Expressing gratitude for the “new momentum in collective efforts to manifest our common faith in God, the creator, and our commitment to common service,” WCC general secretary Olav Fykse Tveit addressed RCC leaders at a June 23 ceremony in the ecumenical Centro Pro Unione.

His remarks were summarized in a WCC media release. “The unity agenda remains at the heart of all our efforts for common witness and contributions to ensure more justice and peace for people and creation,” said Tveit. “We are grateful and even proud of 50 years as a working group between these great major ecumenical instruments in the world, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the World Council of Churches.”
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Posted: July 7, 2015 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=9648
Categories: Anglican Journal • In this article: Joint Working Group, Olav Fykse Tveit, Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, WCC Transmis : 7 juil. 2015 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=9648
Catégorie : Anglican Journal • Dans cet article : Joint Working Group, Olav Fykse Tveit, Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, WCC

WCC general secretary reflects on prayer, work and pilgrimage on 75th anniversary of Taizé Community

A message focusing on the theme “Ora et labora”, meaning “pray and work”, was shared by the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, at the 75th anniversary of the Taizé Community, commemorating the life of the community’s founder Brother Roger.

Tveit addressed the event titled “New Solidarity”, held on 16 August in Burgundy, France.

Founded in 1940, Taizé is an ecumenical monastic order centred in Taizé, Saône-et-Loire, France, which brings together young people from around the world for reflection, prayer and community living.
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Posted: Aug. 16, 2015 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=10152
Categories: WCC News • In this article: Taizé, WCC Transmis : 16 aoüt 2015 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=10152
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : Taizé, WCC

WCC general secretary reflects on prayer, work and pilgrimage on 75th anniversary of Taizé Community

A message focusing on the theme “Ora et labora”, meaning “pray and work”, was shared by the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, at the 75th anniversary of the Taizé Community, commemorating the life of the community’s founder Brother Roger.

Tveit addressed the event titled “New Solidarity”, held on 16 August in Burgundy, France.

Founded in 1940, Taizé is an ecumenical monastic order centred in Taizé, Saône-et-Loire, France, which brings together young people from around the world for reflection, prayer and community living.

The WCC general secretary called the anniversary commemoration a “poignant moment”: “Taizé is a village, it is a religious community, but more than that it is a spiritual home – a precious station on life’s journey and a meeting point with others together on the way,” said Tveit.
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Posted: Aug. 16, 2015 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=8762
Categories: WCC News • In this article: Olav Fykse Tveit, Taizé, WCC Transmis : 16 aoüt 2015 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=8762
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : Olav Fykse Tveit, Taizé, WCC

Churches to pray for care of creation

Joined in prayer, Christian churches around the world will again observe the ecumenical “Time for Creation” (1 September to 4 October), this year bolstered by Pope Francis’s recent proclamation of 1 September as the “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.”

The movement toward a yearly commemoration of the biblical mandate to exercise stewardship over God’s creation (Genesis 1:26-28) first took shape following a 1 September 1989 encyclical from the late Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I of Constantinople in which he extended an invitation to “the entire Christian world to offer together with the Mother Church of Christ, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, every year on this date prayers and supplications to the Maker of all, both as thanksgiving for the great gift of creation and as petitions for its protection and salvation.”

The pastoral letter from Dimitrios continued, “At the same time we paternally urge, on the one hand, the faithful in the world to admonish themselves and their children to respect and protect the natural environment and, on the other hand, those who are entrusted with the responsibility of governing the nations to act without delay, taking all necessary measures for the protection and preservation of natural creation.”

The World Council of Churches (WCC) and related ecumenical bodies have adopted a “Time for Creation” as an emphasis in the church year, running from the beginning of the Eastern Orthodox liturgical year on 1 September to the feast-day of Saint Francis of Assisi observed by the Roman Catholic Church on 4 October. This initiative arose directly from the Ecumenical Patriarch’s 1989 encyclical.
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Posted: Aug. 20, 2015 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=8658
Categories: WCC News • In this article: climate change, creation, ecology, environment, prayer, WCC Transmis : 20 aoüt 2015 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=8658
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : climate change, creation, ecology, environment, prayer, WCC

Christian unity marks visit of WCC delegation to Pentecostal Church in Chile

A worship service on 30 August at the Pentecostal Cathedral of Curico, Chile, featured participation from the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit and the WCC president for Latin America and the Caribbean Rev. Gloria Ulloa. Christian unity and ecumenical aspirations remained in focus at the service attended by more than 1,300 people.

Bishop Luis Ulises Muñoz Moraga, head of the Pentecostal Church of Chile, a member church of the WCC, said there is “no other way” for their church but the one that leads to Christian unity. “Despite occasional internal tensions around the question of churches’ engagement in ecumenical movement, the commitment to be part of the global fellowship as an expression of faith prevails,” he said.

The Pentecostal Church of Chile joined the WCC as a member in 1961.

The WCC general secretary delivered a sermon at the service, preaching from Romans 15:13. “We pray together so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit,” he said.

“Those who have hope have power to live and to participate in transformation of life, so that others can live with hope. Your church, Pentecostal Church of Chile, is a remarkable example of this truth, in the past decades under dictatorship as well as today,” said Tveit.
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Posted: Aug. 31, 2015 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=8669
Categories: WCC News • In this article: Christian unity, Olav Fykse Tveit, Pentecostal, WCC Transmis : 31 aoüt 2015 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=8669
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : Christian unity, Olav Fykse Tveit, Pentecostal, WCC

WCC calls for prayers so that “wall will fall” between Israelis and Palestinians

“It is our sincere desire and prayer, shared with many Jews and Muslims, that there should be no hostilities among neighbours in Israel and Palestine, and beyond, in the whole Middle East region.” These were the words of the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, shared in his message for the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel (WWPPI), observed from 21 to 27 September.

The theme of the week this year is “God has broken down the dividing walls”.

“We pray and work for the peace desperately needed by both Palestinians and Israelis. As we pray that the wall will fall, I appeal to you to promote participation in this year’s WWPPI,” said the WCC general secretary in his invitation to churches and ecumenical partners.
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Posted: Sept. 18, 2015 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=8660
Categories: WCC News • In this article: Israel, Palestine, peace, WCC Transmis : 18 sept. 2015 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=8660
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : Israel, Palestine, peace, WCC

In the Sandals of the Other – Christians and Muslims working together in Nigeria

Key stakeholders in a new inter-religious centre in Nigeria have met to plan for the centre and its work, set to launch in March 2016.

The meeting was held at the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey, Switzerland, 27 to 28 September.

Institutions represented were the Jordanian Royal Aal Al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought (RABIIT), the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI).

The project has developed as a result of a high-level international inter-religious visit to Nigeria by representatives of the WCC and RABIIT in 2012.
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Posted: Sept. 29, 2015 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=8764
Categories: Communiqué, WCC News • In this article: Christian, interfaith, Islam, Nigeria, WCC Transmis : 29 sept. 2015 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=8764
Catégorie : Communiqué, WCC News • Dans cet article : Christian, interfaith, Islam, Nigeria, WCC

WCC panel discussion fields ideas on European identity

What has contributed to the idea of a “European identity?” And, within a broad-minded vision of secularism, how can churches and other religious communities contribute? In this context, what is the role of Switzerland?

A panel of religious leaders, policymakers and journalists met on 20 April at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva to discuss these questions and others. Thoughts were also fielded from the audience. The event was organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Focolare Movement, an international organization that promotes the ideas of unity and universal brotherhood.

Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, WCC general secretary, spoke about how the WCC’s pilgrimage of justice and peace links the work of churches with the roots of their faith. “We see the pilgrimage as an openness, a willingness to move,” he said.

Tveit recently returned from an ecumenical advocacy event in Washington, DC, where he met with Christians from a wide constituency of US churches to define racism in our time.

“Racism is tearing the United States apart,” he said, citing a conversation he had with Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners and author of “America’s Original Sin,” a book about racism. Tveit then raised the question: “If you ask the same question of Europe — what is Europe’s original sin?”
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Posted: Apr. 26, 2016 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=9122
Categories: WCC News • In this article: Europe, Focolare Movement, WCC Transmis : 26 avril 2016 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=9122
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : Europe, Focolare Movement, WCC

Ecumenical visitors to US prepare report on churches’ approach to racial justice

“We had heard that racism continues to be an issue in the United States,” said Dr Agnes Abuom, moderator of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC). “But we did not expect to find it so deep, so wide and so pervasive.”

Abuom spoke at a closing conference of the WCC’s US racial justice accompaniment visit, which she led from 19 through 25 April on an itinerary that included the cities of Charleston, South Carolina; Ferguson, Missouri; and Chicago, Illinois.

The team of WCC visitors who made the journey will now collaborate in preparing a report on their experience and findings, with recommendations for the next steps in a renewed and reinvigorated response to the sin of racial hatred, violence and discrimination in the early 21st century. The report will be submitted in May to the WCC Central Committee for consideration at its June 2016 meeting in Trondheim, Norway.

After due deliberation, the Central Committee will determine appropriate action for the WCC and its partners in the United States and throughout the world.
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Posted: Apr. 30, 2016 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=9120
Categories: WCC News • In this article: racism, USA, WCC Transmis : 30 avril 2016 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=9120
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : racism, USA, WCC

WCC: Israeli treatment of representatives at airport unacceptable

After travelling to Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv in the last week for a climate justice meeting, World Council of Churches (WCC) staff and partners were detained or deported in a manner that WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit terms both unprecedented and intolerable.

“The WCC protests the excessive, unreasonable and wholly unwarranted treatment by the Israeli authorities of these representatives of WCC member churches and staff travelling to engage in discussions on climate change and environmental stewardship, at the invitation of and hosted by WCC’s member churches in the region,” he said.

Members of the WCC’s Working Group on Climate Change from as many as 13 countries reported they were held for hours of interrogation, including tough intimidation and detention in prison-like conditions for up to three days — a very difficult experience, Tveit said. “We react in different ways emotionally to experiences like this. For all of them, I think it was totally unexpected and very disturbing, for most of them shocking, as they have never experienced anything like this before.”

Although there have been small incidents in the past, there has been nothing approaching this level of intimidation, Tveit added.
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Posted: May 9, 2016 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=9089
Categories: WCC News • In this article: Israel, WCC Transmis : 9 mai 2016 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=9089
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : Israel, WCC

Reformation celebrations will be ecumenical and international, says German Protestant leader

The 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017 should be a profoundly ecumenical, as well as European and international celebration, according to Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, chair of the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD).

“With this clear distinction from all other commemorations of past centuries, we are sending a signal of reconciliation and a new beginning,” Bedford-Strohm said at a 9 May press conference in Berlin announcing events leading up to the anniversary on 31 October 2017.

The commemoration marks the day in 1517 on which Martin Luther is said to have posted his 95 theses denouncing church abuses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg.

Luther’s actions set in motion events that led to the Reformation and the division of western Christianity into Roman Catholic and Protestant churches.

In recent years, however, Roman Catholics and Lutherans have reached agreement on the doctrine of justification, a key dividing issue between the papacy and Luther and his followers, and many doctrinal differences should no longer have a church-dividing character, said Bedford-Strohm.
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Posted: May 12, 2016 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=9100
Categories: WCC News • In this article: Reformation, WCC Transmis : 12 mai 2016 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=9100
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : Reformation, WCC

Global meeting seeks inspiration from Reformation to transform world

More than 120 people from throughout the world have gathered in the eastern German city of Halle to reflect on how insights from the Protestant Reformation 500 years ago can contribute to transforming the world today.

“We want to initiate and encourage a truly ecumenical and global dialogue on the achievements, current challenges and new learnings about the relevance of Reformation principles,” said the Rev. Cornelia Füllkrug-Weitzel, president of the German Protestant development service Bread for the World, at the opening of the 18-22 May conference.

The Halle gathering is the second stage of a “Twin Consultation” on “Reformation – Education – Transformation” that began with a conference in São Leopoldo in Brazil in November 2015.

In advance of the Reformation Jubilee in 2017, the project aims to examine the contribution of Reformation traditions and theology to strengthening and transforming civil society to promote justice, peace, sustainability and human rights, both locally and globally, with a special emphasis on the role of education.

“2017 will not be an event that looks back historically but an occasion to reflect where reform and reformation is needed today in church and society,” the Rev. Margot Kässmann, ambassador of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) for the Reformation Jubilee, told the Halle meeting.

The idea of holding two consultations in Brazil and in Germany – with some participants attending both meetings – is to reflect on the same thematic areas in two different global contexts as a contribution to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and its impact on society.
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Posted: May 19, 2016 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=9102
Categories: WCC News • In this article: Reformation, WCC Transmis : 19 mai 2016 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=9102
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : Reformation, WCC

Global gathering says Reformation’s ‘transformative power’ can change the world today

A global gathering in the German city of Halle has called on churches to be inspired by the tradition of the Reformation to become agents of transformation.

“We came from different confessional and denominational traditions and together we sought to discover the transformative power of Reformation today, not as a past event but oriented to the future,” participants said in a statement at the end of the 18-22 May consultation.

Halle, in eastern Germany, lies in the heartland of the 16th-century Reformation of Martin Luther and his followers.

The Halle meeting gathered more than 120 people from 40 countries and was the second stage of a “Twin Consultation” on “Reformation – Education – Transformation” that began with a conference in São Leopoldo in Brazil in November 2015.
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Posted: May 23, 2016 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=9107
Categories: WCC News • In this article: Reformation, WCC Transmis : 23 mai 2016 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=9107
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : Reformation, WCC

Norwegian Christians begin pilgrimage from Oslo to Trondheim

From 24 May to 21 June, the Christian Council of Norway (CCN) is promoting a pilgrimage from the Norwegian capital Oslo to Trondheim, an important Christian pilgrimage site and the location of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee meeting from 22-28 June.

CCN’s general secretary Rev. Knut Refsdal will walk the entire 29-day, 638.6-kilometer route, and is inviting local church leaders and congregations to join part or all of the pilgrimage. Several meetings and dialogue spaces are being organized at stops along the way.

“The main message we want to share along the way is that religious and philosophical leaders of each community can help promote mutual understanding and respect for shared values and therefore deplore violent extremism and hate speech,” said Refsdal.
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Posted: May 24, 2016 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=9109
Categories: WCC News • In this article: pilgrimage, spiritual ecumenism, WCC Transmis : 24 mai 2016 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=9109
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : pilgrimage, spiritual ecumenism, WCC

Ecumenical educators plan global institute

Starting preparations for a Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI) in the context of the 2018 World Mission Conference in Africa was a tangible result of a meeting of 20 ecumenical educators from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. They met from 22-24 May in Halle (Germany) at the invitation of the World Council of Churches project on Ecumenical Theological Education (WCC-ETE).

Together they discussed ways of networking to enhance ecumenical theological education, which include curriculum development, sharing of learning models and new forms of partnerships between theological institutions and churches.

The meeting was motivated by the need to strengthen ecumenical education so theological institutions do not become more inward-oriented. To make the cooperation concrete, the group agreed to start the process for the formation of a network of ecumenical educators by contributing to preparations for GETI, planned for March 2018 in close collaboration with the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism (CWME) and the Mission and Evangelism team of the World Council of Churches (WCC).
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Posted: May 25, 2016 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=9111
Categories: WCC News • In this article: mission, theological education, WCC, WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Transmis : 25 mai 2016 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=9111
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : mission, theological education, WCC, WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism

WCC and WEA meet, explore areas of future cooperation

The leadership and representatives of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) and the World Council of Churches (WCC) met in the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, Switzerland to explore and discuss possible areas of future cooperation.

The 20 May meeting featured introductions to the work of the WEA and the WCC, and participants reflected together on current developments in society and churches, and on evangelical and ecumenical movements. The WCC general secretary and WEA secretary general took part.

The two organizations shared current plans and discussed possibilities for closer collaboration on thematic areas such as “public witness and peace-building in inter-religious contexts” and “theological reflection, education and formation.”

This was the second meeting with the leadership and representatives, although it was the first meeting with both heads of the organizations present and where perceptions about both the WEA and WCC were discussed.
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Posted: May 26, 2016 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=9113
Categories: WCC News • In this article: WCC, World Evangelical Alliance Transmis : 26 mai 2016 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=9113
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : WCC, World Evangelical Alliance

Faith-based communities increasingly effective in addressing humanitarian needs, says WCC general secretary

“There is a remarkable change towards acknowledging the role of faith-based communities and their resources to address humanitarian needs,” said Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), during the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS), held in Istanbul, Turkey, 23-24 May.

“This is promising for those who need more assistance, and it is promising for the constructive cooperation needed,” he added.

The summit was the first of its kind in the 70-year history of the United Nations. The motivation came from the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, who called for humanity to be placed at the heart of global decision-making.

The framework of the summit was built upon the principle that, in order to deliver for humanity, stakeholders must act on five core responsibilities: preventing and ending conflict; respecting rules of war; leaving no one behind; working differently to end need; and investing in humanity.

The WCC was represented at the WHS by the general secretary Tveit and the council’s representative to the United Nations in New York, Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, as well as by several member churches, national councils of churches and partner organizations, such as ACT Alliance and its members.
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Posted: May 26, 2016 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=9115
Categories: WCC News • In this article: advocacy, justice, peace, WCC Transmis : 26 mai 2016 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=9115
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : advocacy, justice, peace, WCC

Cardinal Koch: Relations between the Catholic Church and the WCC

An address by Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, regarding relations between the Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches (WCC). At a press conference held Friday 2nd March in the Vatican, the WCC General Secretary, Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit and Cardinal Kurt Koch announced that Pope Francis will be travelling to Geneva on June 21st to mark the 70th anniversary of the World Council of Churches.

The visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva during the year of the 70th Anniversary of the foundation of the World Council of Churches (WCC), will be a sign of recognition of a unique contribution of the WCC to the modern ecumenical movement. It will be an expression of the personal commitment of the Holy Father to the goal of Christian unity as expressed in many occasions. In visiting the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, Pope Francis will follow the steps of his two predecessors Paul VI, who visited the WCC in 1969 (10 June), and John Paul II who did the same in 1984 (l2 June). The visit will be an occasion to give thanks to God for a longstanding and rich collaboration which the Catholic Church maintains with the WCC for more than half a century. Indeed, our relations began during the preparation of the Second Vatican Council. Vatican II committed the Catholic Church to the modern ecumenical movement and opened a new page in the history of our relations with the World Council of Churches generating a spirit of rapprochement and mutual understanding. Although the Catholic Church is not a member of the WCC, various dicasteries of the Roman Curia and different Catholic organizations or religious communities collaborate closely with its different programmatic areas. There is a sustained collaboration in the field of justice and peace, human rights, works of charity and humanitarian aid, especially regarding migrants and refugees, protection of creation, the youth, interreligious dialogue, mission and evangelism. The most developed is the collaboration between the WCC and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPCU), which also takes place through various channels.
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Posted: Mar. 2, 2018 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=10216
Categories: News, Opinion • In this article: Kurt Koch, pope, Pope Francis, WCC Transmis : 2 mars 2018 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=10216
Catégorie : News, Opinion • Dans cet article : Kurt Koch, pope, Pope Francis, WCC

Pope to visit Geneva for World Council of Churches anniversary

Pope Francis will travel to Geneva on June 21st to mark the 70th anniversary of the World Council of Churches. The announcement was made on Friday at a press conference in the Vatican by the WCC General Secretary, Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit and by Cardinal Kurt Koch, head of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

The WCC was founded in 1948 with a membership of 147 Christian Churches, largely in Europe and North America. Today it brings together 348 members in countries across the globe, including most of the world’s Orthodox, Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist and Reformed churches, as well as many United and Independent churches.

Since 1965 the Catholic Church has worked closely together with the WCC through a Joint Working Group, as well as through participation in specific commissions or practical initiatives.
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Posted: Mar. 2, 2018 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=10213
Categories: Vatican News • In this article: Olav Fykse Tveit, pope, Pope Francis, WCC Transmis : 2 mars 2018 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=10213
Catégorie : Vatican News • Dans cet article : Olav Fykse Tveit, pope, Pope Francis, WCC

Pope Francis: walking together is “an act of obedience to the Lord and love for our world”

Pope Francis has given a strong message about the ecumenical journey during a visit to the World Council of Churches’ headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. In a homily during a prayer service in the Ecumenical Centre, Pope Francis spoke about the journey towards Christian unity and the pitfalls on the way. “For us as Christians, walking together is not a ploy to strengthen our own positions, but an act of obedience to the Lord and love for our world,” he said. “Let us ask the Father to help us walk together all the more resolutely in the ways of the Spirit.

“I wanted to take part personally in the celebrations marking this anniversary of the World Council, not least to reaffirm the commitment of the Catholic Church to the cause of ecumenism and to encourage cooperation with the member churches and with our ecumenical partners.
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Posted: June 21, 2018 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=10316
Categories: ACNS • In this article: Pope Francis, WCC Transmis : 21 juin 2018 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=10316
Catégorie : ACNS • Dans cet article : Pope Francis, WCC

Education for Peace in a Multi-Religious World: A Christian Perspective

At a conference with the theme “Promoting Peace Together” held in Geneva on 21 May, religious leaders focused on two historic documents related to peace-making. The first, “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together,” was jointly signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Abu Dhabi in February. The second, “Education for Peace in a Multi-Religious World: A Christian Perspective,” jointly prepared by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and the World Council of Churches (WCC), was officially launched at the conference.

Anne Glynn-Mackoul, moderator of the opening session and a WCC Executive Committee member who represents the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East (USA), expressed her appreciation for those gathered who are inspired by a common vision to promote peace together. “Today we will explore together two documents which affirm, each with compelling fervor, the possibility of peace,” she said.

The two documents, Glynn-Mackoul added, “help us, each in its own way, to think of religions not as fortresses to be defended but as wellsprings for the flourishing of all life.”
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Posted: May 21, 2019 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=10825
Categories: Documents, WCC News • In this article: Al-Azhar, dialogue, interfaith, peace, Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, WCC Transmis : 21 mai 2019 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=10825
Catégorie : Documents, WCC News • Dans cet article : Al-Azhar, dialogue, interfaith, peace, Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, WCC

WCC, IJCIC agree to restore formal relations, strengthen communication

The World Council of Churches (WCC) and the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations (IJCIC ) have met formally on 25-27 June in Paris.

This meeting, under the theme “The normalization of hatred: challenges for Jews and Christians today,” took place at a time of challenges both to religious life in general and to each of our communities in their various contexts,” reads a communique released by the two groups.

“Among the issues that informed this gathering were: the rise of xenophobic nationalist movements in much of the world; suspicion of the agendas of religious communities and institutions, especially in Europe; the resurgence of overt antisemitism; the prevalence of Islamophobia; newly emerging anti-Christian attitudes; the continuing non-resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; worldwide hostility to vulnerable minorities; and the shocking erosion of civil society in many places and ways.” reads the communique. “We are particularly horrified by the recent increase in murderous attacks on places of worship in different parts of the world.”
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Posted: June 28, 2019 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=10676
Categories: WCC News • In this article: Christian, Christianity, IJCIC, Jewish, Judaism, WCC Transmis : 28 juin 2019 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=10676
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : Christian, Christianity, IJCIC, Jewish, Judaism, WCC

Vatican notes growing ecumenical consensus on what ‘church’ means

Working for Christian unity and engaging in formal theological dialogues to promote it obviously raises questions about what the nature and mission of the church is. In a project that took two decades of work by Orthodox, Anglican, Protestant, Catholic and Pentecostal theologians, the World Council of Churches in 2013 published a document summarizing the points of greatest consensus. In late October, the Vatican gave the WCC its formal response to the document, which was called “The Church: Towards a Common Vision.”

The response, coordinated by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and posted on its website, included input from Catholic theologians from around the world, bishops’ conferences and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. What is meant by “church” is a key ecumenical question as Christians work and pray for the unity Jesus wanted his followers to have, the Catholic response said. Or, as the WCC document said, “agreement on ecclesiology has long been identified as the most elemental theological objective in the quest for Christian unity.”
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Posted: Oct. 25, 2019 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=10737
Categories: CNS • In this article: ecclesiology, ecumenism, Pope Francis, WCC Transmis : 25 oct. 2019 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=10737
Catégorie : CNS • Dans cet article : ecclesiology, ecumenism, Pope Francis, WCC

Serving a Wounded World in Interreligious Solidarity

The World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (PCID) have released a joint document, “Serving a Wounded World in Interreligious Solidarity: A Christian Call to Reflection and Action During COVID-19 and Beyond.” Its purpose is to encourage churches and Christian organizations to reflect on the importance of interreligious solidarity in a world wounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The document offers a Christian basis for interreligious solidarity that can inspire and confirm the impulse to serve a world wounded not only by COVID-19 but also by many other wounds.

The publication is also designed to be useful to practitioners of other religions, who have already responded to COVID-19 with similar thoughts based on their own traditions.

The document recognizes the current context of the pandemic as a time for discovering new forms of solidarity for rethinking the post-COVID-19 world. Comprised of five sections, the document reflects on the nature of a solidarity sustained by hope and offers a Christian basis for interreligious solidarity, a few key principles and a set of recommendations on how reflection on solidarity can be translated into concrete and credible action.
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Posted: Aug. 27, 2020 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=10818
Categories: Documents, WCC News • In this article: interfaith, justice, Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, solidarity, WCC Transmis : 27 aoüt 2020 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=10818
Catégorie : Documents, WCC News • Dans cet article : interfaith, justice, Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, solidarity, WCC

WCC digital archive now included in Globethics.net library

A collection of documents and publications from the World Council of Churches (WCC) is now available through its longstanding partner organization Globethics.net. The WCC collection, updated weekly, reflects a growing and longstanding electronic bridge between the organizations’ websites.

For many years, the Globethics.net Library has hosted a variety of collections on behalf of the WCC, an active member of the Globethics.net Consortium on Ethics in Higher Education, as well as co-founder of the former Global Digital Library on Theology and Ecumenism (GlobeTheoLib).

The institutional “World Council of Churches collection” has recently been updated with new content collected from its website, including documents and publications published at www.oikoumene.org/resources. Thanks to an electronic bridge between the two sites, new resources are automatically added to the collection on a weekly basis.
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Posted: June 1, 2021 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=10903
Categories: Documents, Resources, WCC News • In this article: WCC Transmis : 1 juin 2021 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=10903
Catégorie : Documents, Resources, WCC News • Dans cet article : WCC

WCC, World Evangelical Alliance strengthen collaboration

The World Council of Churches (WCC) and the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) met on 25 August in Geneva to explore and discuss possible areas of future cooperation.

The two organizations shared current plans and discussed possibilities for closer collaboration on thematic areas such as advocacy and peace building, the climate emergency, and membership matters.

The WEA is a network of churches in 143 nations that have joined to give a worldwide identity, voice and platform to more than 600 million evangelical Christians.

The WEA has six programmatic departments: Global Advocacy, Global Theology, Global Witness, Alliance Engagement, Church Engagement, and Public Engagement.
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Posted: Aug. 30, 2021 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=10889
Categories: WCC News • In this article: WCC, World Evangelical Alliance Transmis : 30 aoüt 2021 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=10889
Catégorie : WCC News • Dans cet article : WCC, World Evangelical Alliance