WCC NEWS: Geneva Engage Award will be revealed—and WCC is among finalists

The Geneva Engage Awards will be announced on 1 February—and the World Council of Churches (WCC) has been nominated for a fourth time. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/WCC 31 January 2023 As the countdown clock shows less than 24 hours until the big reveal, this marks the eighth annual opportunity to see some of the best social media outreach at work—and learn a bit about what makes it happen.  The three Geneva Engage awards categories are: International Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and Associations, and Permanent Representations to the UN in Geneva. The WCC is shortlisted in the  Non-Governmental Organisations and Associations category.  This year also marks a new category—the Accessibility Award— that will recognise efforts to enhance website accessibility performance. The Geneva Engage initiative, launched by the Geneva Internet Platform in 2016 with the support of the Republic and Canton of Geneva, and DiploFoundation, assesses the interplay between International Geneva and stakeholders worldwide, which are impacted by the policies discussed and negotiated in Geneva. In this context, the annual Geneva Engage Awards aim to acknowledge the efforts of actors in International Geneva in social media outreach and engagement.  Geneva Engage examines Geneva’s global footprint by looking at the social media engagement of Geneva-based organisations and Geneva’s web relevance and online meetings. Ultimately, Geneva Engage examines the links between International Geneva and communities from around the world that are affected by the policies discussed and negotiated in Geneva in areas such as development, human rights, and digital issues. “It’s a joyful recognition to be shortlisted for the fourth time. We are very much looking forward to learn more at the Geneva Engage Award and meet colleagues from the international Geneva,” said WCC communication director Marianne Ejdersten.  Ejdersten added “In its communication strategy, the WCC envisions itself as a catalyst for change for a world with unity, justice, and peace at its heart.” Geneva Engage Award 1 February 2023 at 13h00 CET List of shortlisted actors 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 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. 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

WCC NEWS: Students from 19 countries complete ecumenical studies in Bossey

At the graduation ceremony of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Institute at Bossey on 27 January, 27 students received certificates for their completed studies in ecumenism that prepared them to become future leaders and ambassadors of the ecumenical movement. With a Thanksgiving prayer at the Bossey Ecumenical Institute Chapel, graduation ceremony of the WCC Ecumenical Institute in Bossey started on January 27, where students received certificates of their accomplished Ecumenical studies. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 31 January 2023 “In the microcosm of Bossey, you have learned how to live together in the world at large,” said WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, addressing students of different Christian traditions from 25 churches and 19 countries. “We describe ecumenism as being together – walking, working, praying together, and changing the world together. My prayer is that you will use what you have acquired here to be the hands, the feet, and the voice of God, as he transforms the world through you.” Upon completion of their studies during this autumn semester 2022-23, 18 students received their Certificates of Advanced in Ecumenical Studies, and 9 students Complementary Certificates in Ecumenical Studies. Addressing the graduates, Prof. Dr Elisabeth Gangloff Parmentier, dean of the faculty of Protestant theology at University of Geneva, encouraged students not to be afraid of otherness, which can both challenge and change our attitudes and way of thinking. “Most often change comes not from ideas or arguments, but from meeting other persons. So – don’t be afraid of the otherness, as it helps us to change and see who we are, and what we can bring to the world we live in.” Denis Pattinasarany of the Protestant Church in the Moluccas, Indonesia (in the center) is one of the graduates who received certificate of the accomplished Ecumenical studies at the Ecumenical Institute Bossey from Prof. Dr Elisabeth Gangloff Parmentier, dean of the faculty of Protestant theology at University of Geneva and Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the World Council of Churches. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC “Bossey has shaped a lot how I see the other person, and that will impact my service in the church in future,” shared Denis Pattinasarany of the Protestant Church in the Moluccas, one of the graduates from Indonesia. “It is very common in my country to meet people of different religious traditions. But to meet people from the same religion, but different theological traditions – that was unfamiliar to me, and this has been an incredibly worthy experience I will bring to my home church.” Bossey graduates began their journey together in August 2022, as they travelled to the WCC 11th Assembly and joined the Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI) programme in Karlsruhe, Germany. “Starting with this vibrant experience of the ecumenical movement, you then deepened it by walking together, learning together and building community together during the past five months in Bossey,” said Rev. Dr Simone Sinn, academic dean of the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey.  “You have been inducted into ecumenism during a time of generational transition in the ecumenical movement”, said Rev Dr Kuzipa Nalwamba, WCC programme director of Unity,  Mission and Ecumenical Formation In her closing remarks at the graduation. “In you, the ecumenical vision has it constructive advocates, critiques and implementers.” The WCC’s Ecumenical Institute at Château de Bossey is a unique place for ecumenical education. A part of the World Council of Churches and attached to the University of Geneva, the Ecumenical Institute offers three distinct study programmes on the graduate level, focusing on the challenges for the churches in the 21st century and the responses of the modern ecumenical movement.  Photo gallery of the Bossey Ecumenical Institute graduation Learn more about the Ecumenical Institute Bossey Students and faculty at the graduation ceremony of the WCC Ecumenical Institute in Bossey on January 27, where students received certificates of their accomplished Ecumenical studies. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 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 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. 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

E-ssentials: Black History Month, Korea Peace Campaign Updates, Lenten Study, and more.

Get Ready for Black History Month! The celebration of February as Black History (or African Heritage) Month begins this week. Officially recognized in Canada since 1996, this is a time to honour the contributions and struggles of peoples of African descent. Check out all the latest worship resources, anti-racism webinars, books, and newsletters available. Be sure to also read our Black History Month worship blogs when you scroll down on the worship page. [Image credit: The United Church of Canada] Korean Partners Acknowledge United Church Korea Peace Appeal Campaign In the latest news post, Ms. Sooyoung Hwang of the Korea Peace Appeal Campaign and the Rev. Kipyung Nam of Mission & Service partner the National Council of Churches in Korea share the significance of United Church and Canadian participation in this global campaign. Read the full news story. [Image credit: Korea Peace Appeal: End the Korean War] The Re-Imagined BUYING UNITED Purchasing Program How churches spend money is more critical than ever! It’s no longer just about finding the "cheapest" option. We need to make smart choices that include quality, risk management, transparency, service, and overall cost.   The BUYING UNITED program is now managed by Round Table Procurement Services (RTPS), and is here to support your procurement needs beyond a selection of low-cost supplier deals. BUYING UNITED will provide: Access to preferred vendors, already pre-qualified for our membership  Self-help resources to provide support beyond supplier deals Direct assistance with any individual purchasing challenges To access BUYING UNITED complete the simple one-time registration process using the Access Code “united”.   Keep an eye out for a webinar coming soon to walk you through this program! [Image credit: The United Church of Canada] United in Learning:  Good Courage Lenten Study Starting Tuesday, February 28, 2023, join the Rev. Stephen Fetter for a six-week Lenten study series exploring devotional readings from Good Courage: Daily Reflections on Hope, the newest Lenten devotional from United Church Publishing House. Ponder the kind of courage that God calls out of ordinary people, contemplate their stories, reflect on how they connect, to your own and reimagine how our lives can contribute to God’s healing of the world. Register for the Lenten study and you'll also receive 20% off your book purchase. Sign up today! [Image credit: The United Church of Canada] Your Generosity Matters: Fighting Racism at Home and Abroad—Adele Halliday’s Work When was the first time you became aware of discrimination or oppression? Adele Halliday, the United Church’s Anti-Racism Equity Lead, says that parts of her work focus on racial discrimination―and she encounters many people across the church who are surprised by the ongoing systemic racism in church and society.  [Photo credit: Robert Massey] The United Church Bookstore: Year Book Subscription The United Church of Canada's Annual Year Book is now available to order from the United Church Bookstore as one volume with a new, easier-to-read format. Subscribe to receive the current year’s volume with renewal as it is published annually in February for the following five years. You don't need to worry about remembering to place your order; we'll remind you ahead of the annual renewal and place your order for you! [Image credit: The United Church of Canada] The Annual Declaration Is Now Open! We’d like to advise ministry personnel that the 2023 Annual Declaration is now open until May 19, 2023. It’s free and only takes a few minutes. Log into ChurchHub.ca to make your Annual Declaration about whether you’ve had criminal charges in the last year or not. If you make your Annual Declaration each year, you do not need to get a new police records check! (Remember that Chrome or Edge are the preferred browsers for ChurchHub; Safari is not optimal.) Need help accessing ChurchHub? Please contact ministry@united-church.ca. [Image credit: The United Church of Canada] Worship Resources  See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations. Fifth after Epiphany - February 5, 2023 Black History Month 1- February 5, 2023 Sixth after Epiphany - February 12, 2023 Black History Month 2 - February 12, 2023 Black History Month 3 - February 19, 2023 Transfiguration Sunday - February 19, 2023 Ash Wednesday - February 22, 2023 Black History Month 4 - February 26, 2023 Facebook Twitter Website Email Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Our gifts for Mission & Service bring healing, justice, and hope to life. Donate today.

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WCRC eNewsletter: January 2023: Intern Programme, Regional Activities

eNews: January 2023 Internship applications due by 10 February The World Communion of Reformed Churches is accepting applications for its internship programme. The programme gives highly qualified young people an opportunity to gain valuable experience working with an international ecumenical organization. The internship will be for 12 months in the WCRC offices in Hannover, Germany, beginning in June or September 2023.  The programme is open to English-speaking individuals of WCRC members who are aged 30 or younger, including ministers, seminarians, or Christian professionals with an interest in working for their churches or the ecumenical movement at any level. Women and individuals from the Global South are particularly encouraged to apply. Read more.

AIPRAL secretaria participa de foro sobre paz en Colombia. Church news is shared weekly in the WCRC blog. CANAAC monthly reflection: Joy in Justice | Alegría en la justicia by Japhet Ndhlovu Facebook Twitter Website Email AIPRAL: Detener la represión en Perú Coming soon: Learning from the Earth, Witnessing for Climate Justice

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