World Council of Churches urges Patriarch Kirill to lobby for Easter ceasefire
RNS The head of the World Council of Churches is urging Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, to call for a ceasefire in Ukraine as Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter this weekend. “People lost their trust and hope in politicians and in a possible peaceful negotiation and a ceasefire,” Rev Ioan […]
World Council of Churches faces calls to expel Russian Orthodox Church; Vatican mulls meeting between Pope, Patriarch
RNS The World Council of Churches is under pressure to oust the Russian Orthodox Church from its ranks, with detractors arguing the church’s leader, Patriarch Kirill, invalidated its membership by backing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and involving the church in the global political machinations of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The debate garnered a response on […]
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, Australia Reuters 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 […]
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, India Reuters 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 […]