| | | | ARE YOU FOLLOWING NCC ON SOCIAL MEDIA? Check out our social media accounts for NCC updates! | | | | | | NCC Prayer for Peace in the Middle East May Christ, the Prince of Peace, lead us onward in the work of peace in the power of the Spirit, for the flourishing of all creation.
During these past days, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA celebrated 75 years of common work, worship, and witness under the theme “Christ is Risen: A Transforming Witness from Generation to Generation.” While celebrating, the Council also recommitted to struggle for greater unity and stronger witness for justice. As we gathered, we were heartened by the news of diplomatic progress in Israel/Palestine, but also were deeply aware of the immense pain and suffering of the last years.
Amid these global events, our gathered body reflected on the words from Psalm 145:4-5(NRSVue): One generation shall extol your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts. They will recount the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works I will meditate.
During our gathering on October 14, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem shared a statement:
Statement on the Declarations on the End of the War in Gaza As direct partners and siblings of these historic churches, we highlight and acknowledge this call to the world. The statement begins with a Psalm of trust in God, "[The Almighty] makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:9-10)
The statement shifts from this recalling the work of God to expressing gratitude for the efforts that led to this progress. While hopeful, the statement remains clear that there is much work to do and that progress is tenuous. It continues, "We hope and trust that this first stage of the ceasefire truly signals the end of the Gaza War, and that any further disagreements between the parties will be resolved through negotiation and mediation, applying the utmost restraint, rather than the resumption of hostilities. Indeed, our region as a whole has suffered long enough to contemplate otherwise. Now is clearly the time to embark upon the very long pathway of healing and reconciliation that is so profoundly needed between Palestinians and Israelis."
Reflecting on both unity and witness, so too the statement brings a pastoral word and affirmation to churches and church institutions in Gaza, stating, "We would also like to give a special word of encouragement to those living inside St.Porphyrios Orthodox Church and Holy Family Catholic Church, as well as those serving at Al-Ahli Anglican Hospital: Your perseverance in faith amidst the immeasurable hardships of thepast two years has served as a shining example for us all."
The statement concludes with gratitude as well as recognition of the hard work of restoration that remains. "In this spirit, we join with our fellow Christians and others of goodwill around the world in giving thanks to the Almighty for leading us to this auspicious moment, even as we realize that the work of peacebuilding has only just begun. May God grant us all the grace to rededicate ourselves to this vital task, shepherding us toward that golden age of peace so long envisioned by the prophets and sages of old-and for which our Lord Jesus Christ himself gave up his own life, rising to new life beyond the grave."
Please join the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, as we move forward in hope and commitment to walk with God’s love in this world. | | World Communion of Reformed Churches Celebrates 150 YearsWCC General Secretary Reflects:
“God gives us the gift of perseverance.” | | As the World Communion of Reformed Churches celebrated its 150th anniversary on October 19, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed gratitude for the deep collaboration between the two organizations.
“As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of one of the most ancient Christian world communions, we do so with the knowledge that we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,” said Pillay. “It has not been easy, but the witness has remained faithful. We keep on keeping the faith no matter what.”
The WCC general secretary, who offered a sermon at the celebration, attended the WCRC’s 27th General Council under the theme “Persevere in Your Witness,” which was ongoing in Chiang Mai, Thailand. “Friends, we are living in difficult times in which we are called to live the faith,” said Pillay. “Ours is not only a time of environmental emergency, systemic economic inequalities, the frightening risks of general artificial intelligence, and the tragic decline of democracy.”
It is also a time when our spirit of compassion calls believers to a countercultural ecumenism, Pillay added. “We persevere because God gives us the gift of perseverance,” he said. “So, what is our task? Not only to keep the faith and live the faith but to share the faith.”
Pillay also acknowledged that this year, Christians celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the great First Council of Nicaea as well as the centennial of the “Life and Work” conference.
“Christianity is being tempted by the demons of nationalism, toxic masculinities, white supremacy, and the misleading theologies of prosperity and dominion,” Pillay said. “Our task, as difficult as it may be, is to listen for and to the voice of Jesus.” | | | WCC Commission on Faith and Order to Convene in Wadi El NatrunThe World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on Faith and Order convened in Wadi El Natrun, Egypt, on October 23, the day before the opening of the historic Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order. | | October 21, Wadi El Natrun, Egypt: Rev. Prof. Dr Stephanie Dietrich, moderator of the Commission on Faith and Order of the WCC (left) and Prof. Dr Andrej Jeftić, the director of the Faith and Order Commission (right) pictured at the Logos Papal Center, venue of the World Council of Churches Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order taking place October 24–28 in Wadi El Natrun, Egypt, around the theme “Where now for visible unity?” Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC | The commission was charged with reviewing preparations for the conference, sharing insights from the work of the respective study groups, and looking ahead to the post-conference period.
The gathering marks the commission’s first in-person meeting since Tondano, Indonesia, in February 2024. Since then, the commission has continued its work through online study group activities and through an online meeting in September 2025.
During the day-long meeting, the commission will strengthen fellowship through prayer and conversation, bring together the fruits of study group work, and consider how the conference outcomes will be carried forward.
Among other outcomes, the meeting will deliver a clear roadmap for each study group’s role in the world conference.
Rev. Prof. Dr Stephanie Dietrich, moderator of the WCC Commission on Faith and Order, reflected that marking the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea will recall the church’s shared confession and common history as the body of Christ.
Read the full story here. | | STATE/REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWS | | | Join the Wisconsin Council of Churches on Tuesday, December 9, for their Annual Meeting 2025: "Hope, Fears, and Realities: Religious Leadership and AI." They will gather in Appleton at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 724 E South River St.
More information available here. | | RCC of Atlanta Announces Virtual Documentary Night In honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day on Sunday, October 26. | | | ATS Wink Fellows Applications Due November 1 | Auburn Theological Seminary is looking for its next cohort of Wink Fellows. Open to Christian clergy, educators, or laity serving in congregations, the fellowship will ground, equip, and connect leaders for Worshipping Intergenerationally and Nurturing Kids through Storytelling (WINKS).
The fellowship begins with a four-day, in-person intensive followed by six bi-monthly virtual sessions, and concludes with a four-day training at Auburn’s Heal the World Summit, June 22-26, 2026. Family members may accompany Fellows to the Summit.
Applications for the January 2026 cohort will close on Nov. 1. Thanks to generous support from Lilly Endowment Inc., all program-related sessions, travel, and meals will be covered for selected Fellows.
Applications are due November 1. Applicants will be notified by November 30. Apply Today | | OCC to Host Retirement Celebration for Executive Director, Rev. Jack Sullivan, Jr. | | | | Rhode Island State Council of Churches Hosts Annual Heroes of Faith Breakfast and Awards Banquet | | | | NC Council of Churches
90th Anniversary Celebration | | | | In November, the North Carolina Council of Churches will celebrate 90 years of prophetic witness, faith-rooted advocacy, and ecumenical partnership. They invite everyone to celebrate with them for a day of worship, community, and joy! | | | | Crossroads and Connections Announces Three-part Virtual Gun Violence Workshops | | Crossroads and Connections: Building Relationship and Community. Taking Action to Prevent Gun Violence – Three-Part Series These discussions are for anyone interested in learning how the United States compares to other countries in addressing gun violence. Sign up now and join this exciting journey of discovery and action. NOTE: Event registration will be available only via Action Network.
Part 1: November 6, 6:30 – 8:00 pm EST Presenter: William Kullman, Esq. Registration LINK via Action Network Part 2: November 11, 6:30 – 8:00 pm EST Presenter: William Kullman, Esq. Registration LINK via Action Network Part 3: November 18, 6:30 – 8:00 pm EST Taking Action to End Gun Violence – Panel Discussion Topic #1: Advocate and Leader Development Presenter: JP Thomas
Topic #2: Gun Violence Prevention Laws
Presenter: Ashleigh Deemer
Topic #3: Firearms Threat to America's Youth and Solutions to Stop Gun Violence
Presenter: Gregory Joseph
Topic #4: Gun Trafficking
Presenter: Bryan Miller
Registration LINK via Action Network | | Peace Fellowship Church Calls Prayer Guard to Surround DC with Prayer! | | | | | News from Friendship Press | | | Nicaea is now available!
Earlier this week, Friendship Press launched Nicaea: The Council and Creed That Defined Christianity at the Christian Unity Gathering in Boston! This new book from Faith and Order celebrates the history, significance, and ongoing relevance of the Nicene Creed.
Special thanks to the panelists, editors, and contributors who made this book possible and put on an excellent launch event in Boston. If you did not get to purchase a copy at the event, visit friendshippress.org to place an order.
Regular price: $24.99 Also available at Amazon.com
More Friendship Press Books | | | Friendship Press Launches
The People's Book Podcast | | Listen to the new Friendship Press podcast, The People's Book, available now on Apple Podcasts. | | | | NRCAT Joins 'Journey to Justice' Bus Tour | | The National Religious Campaign Against Torture has begun the Journey to Justice Bus Tour, which launched September 4. Initiated by Unlock the Box and Look2Justice, this unprecedented national tour is co-sponsored by NRCAT and blends education, connection, activism, and art, all aimed at galvanizing the public around the imperative to end solitary confinement.
Check out the list of remaining tour stops below and share them with your family and friends along the route. Visit the Journey to Justice Bus Tour website for more details on the events at each tour stop.
Oct 25-26: Philadelphia, PA
Oct 29: Baltimore, MD
Oct 30-31: Washington, D.C.
| | Applications Open for 2026–2027 Ecumenical Institute at Bossey | | The chapel of the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC
The Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, part of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and attached to the University of Geneva, is accepting applications for its 2026–2027 academic programs in ecumenical studies. These internationally recognized programs offer unique opportunities for theological formation, intercultural exchange, and ecumenical engagement.
Four distinct study options are available: Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Ecumenical Studies Complementary Certificate in Ecumenical Studies (CC) Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Ecumenical Studies Intensive English Summer Course (EC)
Application deadline: November 30 | | | Congressional Black Caucus Annual NREI Summit, November 1 | | Come to New Orleans to commemorate five years of the National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice (NREI)! The 2025 NREI Summit will bring together thought leaders, advocates, and changemakers committed to advancing racial equity across the justice and education systems. Come and explore transformative solutions that center Black communities and reimagine pathways to opportunity and justice. From dynamic conversations to community-focused engagement, the Summit will offer space to reflect, strategize, and build power. 📌 Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details on programming and registration. | |
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