Essay: Can ecumenism survive some Orthodox churches’ resistance to ordained women?
ANNA PIELA, a visiting scholar in religious studies and gender at Northwestern University in the US, writes, in an article published by Religion News Service, that the issue of female ordination is threatening to define the future of ecumenism and Orthodoxy at large…
The Interview: Lutheran World Federation head Anne Burghardt on historic firsts and helping Ukraine
EMILY MCFARLAN MILLER, of Religion News Service, speaks to the Lutheran World Federation Secretary General…
At Vatican women’s day event, a call for female voices in peace talks
Vatican CityRNS As European nations attempt to defend Ukraine without being pulled into a war, an ecumenical group of women representing charitable organisations around the world called for more female representation in peace talks and negotiations. The occasion was an event called “Church and Society: Women as Builders of Dialogue,” organised by Caritas Internationalis, a […]
“Pray for Ukraine”: Christian leaders call for peace and God’s protection
In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, faith leaders around the world have prayed for peace and asked God to watch over civilians. BOB SMIETANA, of Religion News Service, reports…
Global church bodies unite in call for tax reform
Global church bodies have joined in calling for reform of the global tax system, saying tax systems have a “pivotal” role to play in financing the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter addressed to G20 finance ministers ahead of a meeting in Venice, Italy, on 9th July, the World Council of Churches, World Communion of […]
Lutheran World Federation elects first female general secretary to lead global communion
RNS The Lutheran World Federation has elected the first woman to head its global communion of churches. Rev Anne Burghardt, an Estonian theologian, was chosen on Saturday by the LWF Council as the next general secretary of the federation, which includes 148 denominations in the Lutheran tradition from around the globe. Rev Anne Burghardt. PICTURE: […]
Global church bodies call for “more compassionate” approach to migrants in Europe
Global Christian organisations have joined in calling for a more compassionate approach to the treatment of migrants and refugees in Europe, saying that a recent fire at the Moria migrant camp on the Greek island of Lesbos – which housed more than 12,500 people – had highlighted “longstanding shortcomings of EU migration and asylum policy”. […]
Global churches protest use of force, violence and intimidation in Zimbabwe
Four global church organisations – the World Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World Communion of Reformed Churches and Methodist World Council – have joined in protesting against the “increasing use of force, violence and intimidation” being used against people protesting against corruption, the country’s economic woes and human rights abuses. In a letter sent to […]
Church bodies call on G20 to ensure a “just and sustainable” recovery after COVID
Four global church bodies have written to G20 leaders calling for them to ensure a “truly just and sustainable recovery” in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Sent on 13th July, the letter – which is signed by the heads of the World Council of Churches, World Communion of Reformed Churches, Lutheran World Federation and […]
Global church bodies express concern over Israel’s proposed West Bank annexation
Four global church bodies have expressed concern over the proposed annexation of occupied Palestinian territories in the West Bank by the Israeli Government, saying such a move would be “in direct violation of international law”. In a joint ecumenical statement released on Monday, the World Council of Churches, World Communion of Reformed Churches, ACT Alliance and Lutheran […]