WCC NEWS: WCC offers insights on prophetic diakonia in the 21st century at conference in South Africa

Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Life, Justice, and Peace, reflected on “Prophetic Diakonia and Vulnerability in the 21st Century” during a conference hosted by the International Society for the Research and Study of Diaconia and Christian Social Practice, being held in South Africa 1-4 April.  Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Life, Justice, and Peace. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 03 April 2025 “The presentation recognizes that although there are references to the prophetic here and there, not much thought has been given to full ambit of the prophetic as it refers to diakonia,” said Mtata. "Since diakonia only happens in context, the first part of this paper will name and examine the contemporary fragilities and vulnerabilities that provide the context diaconal practice and reflection.” The second part of Mtata’s paper reiterated some contours and anatomy of diakonia based on some biblical and theological ideas, implementation models, and institutional structures. “It will be shown here that the relationship between the biblical ideas of diakonia, its practical application, and how it is organized, tends to determine the sharpness or bluntness of prophetic diakonia,” he said. “The third and last part of draws on a re-reading of Acts 6:1-7 as a paradigmatic text on prophetic diakonia as transformative response.” Mtata shared that his own reflection is shaped by his hybrid identity of being Zimbabwean and African, and yet shaped in his education and professional life by the global ecumenical diaconal discourse and practice.  “I am acutely aware that my understanding of diakonia remains influenced by Eurocentric logics—from which I can free myself, only with concerted effort,” he acknowledged. 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 Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland