Essay: The World Council of Churches must act with courage and expel Kirill
In an article first published on Religion News Service, Rev ROB SCHENCK, president of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute in Washington, DC, explains why the World Council of Churches should expel the Russian Orthodox Church…
“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…
Updated: World rushes aid to tsunami-hit Tonga as drinking water, food runs short
Updated 11:30pm (AEDT)Wellington, New Zealand/Sydney, AustraliaReuters More ships and aircraft carrying aid are due to arrive in Tonga in coming days as the international community responds to calls for urgent assistance from the Pacific island nation following a devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami. Personnel wearing personal protection equipment, and a load of humanitarian relief supplies […]
The Christmas story invites us to “meditate about Christian life in today’s world” – WCC Christmas message
The Christmas story invites us to “meditate about Christian life in today’s world”, the acting head of the World Council of Churches has said in a Christmas message. “Ours are times in which the pandemic has catalysed the risks of the climate emergency, the systemic inequalities between rich and poor, and widespread gender-based violence,” said Rev […]
World churches head one of three religious leaders acknowledged for their role in building peace
The acting head of the World Council of Churches was among three international religious leaders who were this week honoured with a Bridge Builder Award for their role in building bridges of understanding between people, communities and nations. The award, which is given by the Jury of the 14th August Committee Norway together with The Oslo Center, was […]
Religion and climate: US faith groups increasingly join fight against climate change
LUIS ANDRES HENAO and JESSIE WARDARSKI, of Associated Press, report on how faith groups, including Christians, are increasingly becoming involved in the fight to address climate change…
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 […]
COVID spreading in rural India with record daily rises in infections, deaths; churches to hold day of prayer and healing
Bengalaru, IndiaReuters India reported a record 412,262 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday and a record 3,980 daily death toll, as a second wave of infections swamps the health system and spreads from cities into the vast countryside. COVID-19 infections in the world’s second most populous nation have surged past 21 million, with a death toll […]
Mozambican churches urge decisive government action on deadly armed conflict
As Mozambican churches respond to growing humanitarian challenges in the country, their leaders are urging the government to act decisively to end a violent conflict in the north which has left behind a trail of death, destruction and displacement. The church leaders’ focus is on Cabo Delgado, a northern province, where attacks blamed on an […]
Biden expected to recognise massacre of Armenians as genocide – sources
Washington DC, USReuters US President Joe Biden is expected to formally recognise the massacre of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during World War I as an act of genocide, sources said on Wednesday, a move likely to infuriate Ankara and further strain already frayed ties between the two NATO allies. The move would be largely […]