What is the purpose of WCC communications for the central committee gathering? Ejdersten: We want to invite the wider global fellowship to follow the thematic encounters of the WCC Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity, as well as news of business decisions taken by the governing body. We want people to know that they can follow and be part of this historic gathering. We call on church media and communications staff across the world to join hands and work for unity, justice, and peace in these days of war and increased violence. We also aim to explain and contextualize decisions from the central committee in ways that are professional, coherent, and inspiring. We are working closely with the Southern African Council of Churches and regional ecumenical organizations across the globe. The ecumenical movement is all about relationships, local and global, working hand-in-hand, side-by-side.
What channels will WCC news be in? Ejdersten: We will offer daily updates in all the WCC web and social media channels. One of the ways in which we keep praying, walking, and working together is by forming communities, both in-person and online, through the many common channels. Through text, interactive content, and visuals, we hope to appeal to a multigenerational audience. All written stories will be translated into the four official working languages of the WCC. The WCC central committee meeting will be live-streamed from 18-21 June, and then again on 23 June, from 8:30 am to 12:30 South Africa Standard Time. Every morning will begin with the joint morning prayer. You are also able to follow the members of the central committee online through their own social media channels. For example, the moderator of the central committee Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm published a special morning prayer this morning from Johannesburg. We encourage everyone to use the hashtags #WCC #CentralCommittee2025
Is there a special path for media and church media? Ejdersten: We welcome all media to apply for accreditation, which is still open, and is mandatory for access to open sessions, press conferences, briefings, and seminars – onsite, as well as online. Apply for accreditation by filling out the online application form. There will be daily media briefings, in addition to a press conference on 18 June at 12:45 South Africa Standard Time.
What are examples of prominent feature stories that will come to fruition during the central committee meeting? Ejdersten: I would like to highlight the start of the Ecumenical Decade for Climate Justice, the pilgrimage encounters with South African churches, and the special initiative by the youth ambassadors on the Thursdays in Black campaign for a world free from rape and violence. The central committee is also planning for a number of statements, addressing burning issues in the world, to be released on 23-24 June. Please, join us in these important and moving encounters and expressions of hope. We also aim to raise general awareness about the World Council of Churches and its priorities. We will respond promptly to interview requests or other special stories.
Where can I find out more? Ejdersten: A landing page provides a framework agenda, descriptions of the WCC constitution and rules, information and the consensus decision making process, and media accreditation applications. More information about the WCC central committee and other governing bodies of WCC, as well as news releases, features, photos, videos and other information, can be found at the website.
WCC Central committee meeting 2025: www.oikoumene.org/central-committee-2025
Livestreaming 18-21 June and 23 June at 8:30-12:30
Watch the Press Conference 18 June at 12:45-13:20 at www.oikoumene.org/live
Media advisory: WCC press conference will focus on bringing hope in a conflict-laden world (16 June 2025)
WCC governing bodies set to convene in Johannesburg as “a sign to the world” (WCC news release, 12 June 2025)
Ambassadors of hope: young people share their visions rooted in justice, unity, and reconciliation (WCC news release, 12 June 2025)
WCC annual review 2024 now available in four languages (WCC news release, 13 June 2025) | 
No comments:
Post a Comment