WCC NEWS: Prof. Dr Isabel Apawo Phiri, WCC deputy general secretary, featured in African Catholic Voices podcast

Prof. Dr Isabel Apawo Phiri, WCC deputy general secretary, was featured in an episode of African Catholic Voices podcast, a service of the Pan-African Theology and Pastoral Network. The episode, which aired 3 May, focuses on Phiri’s call on the churches in Africa to embrace life-affirming practices and reject all life-denying cultural, institutional, and denominational practices that harm God's people. World Council of Churches deputy general secretary Prof. Dr Isabel Apawo Phiri.  Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 16 May 2022 She also reflects on the special gifts that churches in Africa bring to the rest of the world. “The holistic look at life, I think, is one major contribution to global Christianity, but also I think of the vibrant nature of Christianity in Africa,” she said. “Having lived in different continents and observed the way we worship God, I see a certain vibrance in Africa which is contagious.” She also describes the prayer life in many African churches. "I'm amazed at how much time African people spend in prayer,” she said. “We are connected to God at a deeper level.” In introducing Phiri—and expressing appreciation for her appearance on the podcast, host Fr Stan Chu Ilo thanked her for her leadership, wisdom, and witness. “She makes a strong case based on theological anthropology on why women's leadership at all levels of the life of the church in all denominations should become normal,” reads a description of the podcast. “Her cry and call for an end to violence against women in Africa and anywhere in the world is both moving and compelling.” Listen to the podcast by African Catholic Voices 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 349 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