WCC NEWS: WCC shares “Voices of Lament, Hope and Courage” for churches worldwide

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has prepared global prayers at the request of its member churches and regional partners to allow the many people affected by COVID-19 to express sorrow and nurture hope for the future. A woman prays during a service at the Santa Terezinha church, in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on 31 October 2020. After 7 months of the pandemic, over 159,000 Brazilians lost their lives. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC 18 January 2021 A new prayer book, “Voices of Lament, Hope and Courage,” was published on 18 March, and will be available in German, French and Spanish in the coming days. The prayer book serves not only as a guide for the special upcoming WCC “Week of Prayer in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic” from 22-27 March but also as a resource for expression by local, regional and global gatherings throughout the year. In the foreword, WCC acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca reflects that one year has passed since the World Health Organization declared the spread of COVID-19 a pandemic. “During the week, we will gather to offer intercessions, especially for the most vulnerable and those on the frontline caring for them, often under harsh circumstances,” he writes. “We will recommit ourselves to active compassion across what separates us, in obedience to the one who had compassion for the crowds and ministered for their healing.” The publication offers prayers from across the world representing diverse denominations. A special section also includes information for action by churches, communities and individuals who want to make a difference for the most vulnerable in their societies. In the section “Prayers of Hope,” we are invited to pray: “God of hope, our hearts overflow with gratitude for your abiding presence during these exceedingly difficult and troubled times. May the flames of hope remain aglow among individuals, families, communities and nations during the pandemic.” Link to the prayer book “Voices of Lament, Hope and Courage” Link to the Week of Prayer See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland