WCC news: In times of struggle, WCC accompanies the journey in the Holy Land

During a time of war, struggle, and pain, the World Council of Churches (WCC) is accompanying the churches and the people in Palestine and Israel on their journey with prayer, action, and hope for a better future. Pillay preached at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives. Photo: Joel Carillet/WCC 18 February 2024 On 18 February, Pillay preached at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives. The sermon, based on the lectionary reading from Matthew 4:1-11, focused on the devil’s tempting of Jesus in the wilderness.  Pillay pointed out that we all struggle at times with understanding and doing God’s will, and related this to the struggle in the Palestine context, especially now in the context of the war in Gaza.  He called on people of faith to surrender like Jesus to the will of the Father and to be assured, even in the context of violence and uncertainty, that they can have security in Christ.  He ended the sermon by asking, “And why is it that we can trust our security in Christ?” In answering this question, he reflected on Roman 8:31, that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord,” said Pillay. “We can put our hope and trust in God for a better future and a better world with peace and security for all.” He was hosted by Bishop Sani Ibrahim Azar, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.  “We are here on a special mission,” said Pillay. “We have come to express our solidarity in what’s happening in Israel and Palestine. Part of our task as Christians is to pray for peace and to work for peace.” Pillay described the task of the WCC as working with people in the local context, and trying to journey with them in their experiences—in essence a Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity.   Bishop Azar gifted the WCC general secretary a Lutheran cross as a sign of accompaniment. The church also hosted a breakfast for Pillay and the WCC delegation.  As head of the delegation, the WCC general secretary is being accompanied by Dr Audeh Quawas (WCC central committee member), Marianne Ejdersten (WCC director of Communication) and Yusef Daher (coordinator, WCC Jerusalem Liaison Office). In the afternoon, the delegation also met with Sheikh Azzam Khatib, director of Islamic Waqf, Jewish representatives, the human rights organization Btselem, and the Israeli human rights organization Rabbis for Human Rights. In Holy Land, “light and life have a true and enduring existence” as heads of churches gather with WCC (WCC news release, 18 February 2024) "WCC general secretary visits Holy Land to strengthen call for just peace" (WCC news release, 15 February 2024) Ascension Church at Augusta Victoria in Jerusalem. From left to right: Rev. Meghan Aelabouni (ELCA), Rev Dr. Ibrahim Azar (ELCJHL), Rev Dr. Jerry Pillay (General Secretary, WCC), Rev. Gabi Aelabouni (ELCA), Rev. Fursan Zu'mot (ELCJHL). Photo: Joel Carillet/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

WCC NEWS: Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel commemorates 20-year anniversary: 1,800 accompaniers from 25 countries

Heads of churches in Jerusalem, World Council of Churches leaders, partners, and friends gathered in Jerusalem to commemorate the 20-year anniversary of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 23 November 2022 While they commemorated 20 years of a programme that has given children and adults an added sense of security, they lamented that today’s circumstances in the Holy Land mean that accompaniment is still needed now more than ever. Nearly 100 guests gathered at Hotel Imperial in Jerusalem to meet, greet, and listen to local stories. Among the guests were heads of churches, member churches, ecumenical partners, Ecumenical Accompaniers, and Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel national coordinators.  The event was opened by His Eminence Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina and WCC acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca. Among the speakers were also Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel national coordinators; Ecumenical Accompaniers; Bishop Ibrahim Azar, Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Holy Land and Jerusalem; and Rt. Rev. Dr Munib Younan, bishop emeritus of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land.  Sauca shared expressions of both joy and concern during his reflections on the occasion.  “The worldwide ecumenical fellowship has always sought to be in active solidarity with the Christians of the Middle East, who are living in continuation of an unbroken line of faithful Christian witness in the multi-religious contexts of their countries, making vital contributions to the vibrant diversity and development of their societies,” said Sauca.  “Upheavals, violent extremism using religion as justification, ongoing military occupations, discrimination and systematic violations of human rights, economic crises and corruption, absence of the rule of law, and other factors have contributed to an existential crisis for all in the region.” Sauca noted that this is particularly affecting vulnerable communities, including Christians who are facing displacement and mass migration. “We affirm that the best means of averting this threat is equal rights, inclusive citizenship, justice and dignity for all, without religious or racial discrimination,” he said.  In 2002, the WCC  founded the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel in response to a call by church leaders in the Holy Land. “The WCC, whose member churches represent about 580 million Christians worldwide, answered the call,” he said. “Earlier in 2002, residents of the small village of Yanoun were driven out of their homes by high levels of settler violence.” Israeli and international peace activists took action and decided to live in the village of Yanoun, hoping that the village residents would find it safe to come back. “Due to the protective presence provided by these activists, the residents of Yanoun were able to return,” Sauca recalled.  This success served as inspiration and in 2002 the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel was born. WCC member churches have since recruited over 1,800 Ecumenical Accompaniers from 25 countries to serve 3-month terms in placements around the West Bank.  Working closely with local communities, Israeli and Palestinian human rights groups, and international agencies, the programme has maintained a constant presence in the region ever since.  WCC acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca shared expressions of both joy and concern during his reflections at the opening of the event in Jerusalem. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC Anniversary greetings from far and wide Those who have worked with and supported the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel over the years took time to offer greetings and share memories about the programme.  Salpy Eskidjian, Office of the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process, said that the situation on the ground in Palestine and Israel has not improved as they hoped 20 years ago—but has only changed. “The presence—as long as the member churches and as long as the local community feels it’s important—I would pray that the international, wider global ecumenical family would continue that protective presence,” she said. “It is really a joy that brings thankfulness and gratitude.”  Over the years, many photos depict Ecumenical Accompaniers serving as a peaceful protective presence for Palestinian children walking to school. Eskidjian added that she hopes the programme continues to grow and continues make a difference in people’s lives.  “My hope is a place where the two peoples and all faith communities would live together in peace,” she said. Sara Speicher, deputy general secretary of the World Association for Christian Communication, also recalled the days when the programme was first conceived. “The idea was first of all seen as and welcomed by the heads of churches and local Palestinian and Israeli groups as a tangible sign of the WCC’s concern but also hope that this accompaniment would show some solidarity, that it would give some security, and that it would raise awareness.” Sam Bahour, managing partner, Applied Information Management, Palestine, said ecumenical accompaniment is a lifesaving and life-changing experience. “This is saving lives because many times a foreign presence will be a deterrent for the Israeli occupying power or the illegal Israeli settlers to interfere with our daily lives.”  Rev. Dr Owe Boersma, Referent Ecumenical Networks & Organizations, Bread for the World, said he considers the programme a success in exposing people in different contexts to the reality of the occupation and to work toward the end of it. “Unfortunately, the jubilee of 20 years coincides almost exactly with 55 years of occupation,” he said. Manuel Quintero Perez, former Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel coordinator, recalled the verse in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 12 that speaks about suffering.  “When somebody suffers, the whole body suffers with it,” Perez said. “It was most excellent that WCC responded by organizing this programme, thereby allowing churches from many countries to be part of the suffering of the churches in the Holy Land,” he said. In the land where Jesus was born, we have so much hatred, Perez continued, and peace is a long-term process. “My only hope is that the ecumenical community will continue working with people there to find that solution.” WCC general secretary-elect Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay shared reflections as well.  “Despite the hardship of Palestinians in the Holy Land, and that of the youth in particular, God remains the only constant in everything, and is the compass that guides us to our aspired goal,” he said. “Whatever we do in the struggle for justice, our concrete action should be seen as directed toward social transformation.”  In other words, there needs to be a vision of an alternative society, Pillay suggested. “What does this mean in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict?” he asked. “We have to continue on our joint pilgrimage of justice, reconciliation, and unity.” Carla Khijoyan, WCC programme executive for Peace Building in the Middle East, said that the occupation is not only illegal but unethical as well. “And just as there are moral dimensions of this conflict, there is a moral imperative for us as churches and Christians for how we respond,” she said, adding that serving as an Ecumenical Accompanier “is a lesson of resilience and resistance, of hope and dignity and integrity—a lesson that changes us forever.” WCC acting general secretary opening address on the occasion of 20 years anniversary of EAPPI Special photo gallery: EAPPI - 20 years in images WCC participated in the 17th enthronement anniversary of His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem and All Palestine - WCC news release 23 November 2022 Inaugural pre-meeting of WCC Jerusalem Liaison Advisory Committee convenes, maps future - WCC news release 23 November 2022 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 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

WCC NEWS: Regarding false media reporting on Israel and Dr Pillay

Since the election in mid-June of Rev. Dr Prof. Jerry Pillay as new World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary, concerns have been raised, predominantly in Jewish media, about his position on Israel and the Jewish communities and their faith. Israeli flags wave by the Beit Ottorot settlement on the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 22 June 2022 The WCC general secretary-elect underscores that under his leadership the WCC will continue to desire and uphold cordial relationships with the Jewish communities. “I support the Jewish people preserving their identity and practicing their religious beliefs and values. I believe that all religions must be respected and people of all faiths—and no faith—must work together to create a world of justice and peace in which we express love, unity and reconciliation,” Pillay says. “This stance has been and continues to be that of the World Council of Churches, and it would never elect a leader who practiced or preached antisemitism in any way, shape or form. The WCC continues to promote and nurture justice and peace, and has consistently raised concerns about issues of justice in Israel and Palestine.” Consequently, the WCC will continue to stand firmly behind United Nations (UN) resolutions on the occupied territories and speak out against all forms of injustice, regardless of where or who they come from.   “Our perspectives are always from the perspective of a Christian witness—a point of view in which human rights, justice and peace are cornerstones. We are a faith-based – not a political – organization and part of a worldwide fellowship confessing the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour,” Pillay adds.            Pillay added that he stands behind the WCC policies on the Holy Land, most recently expressed in a public statement by the WCC central committee on 18 June that WCC reiterates a “constant call for an end to the occupation, and for equal human rights for all” in the Holy Land.  WCC reiterates “constant call for an end to the occupation, and for equal human rights for all” in the Holy Land (WCC press release, 18 June 2022) 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 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

WCC NEWS: WCC Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel convenes annual meeting

The World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel convened its Annual Meeting on 12-14 April, to receive updates about the reconfiguration of the WCC’s Jerusalem-based activities as well as to make plans to be able to safely send Ecumenical Accompaniers back to the region to continue providing protective international presence for vulnerable Palestinian communities and to monitor and report on incidents of concern.  Participants in the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel greet the children as they undertake a 'school run' in the H2 area of Hebron, by which they offer an international presence as Palestinian children go to school, 2 March 2020, Hebron, Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 15 April 2021 In an opening prayer, WCC acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca prayed for all the people in the Holy Land to live in peace. “May your peace reign throughout this land, removing the fear that has gripped the lives of so many,” Sauca prayed. “Especially we remember before you the children, who are afraid that their school will be demolished.” Sauca prayed for the power of love to bring down the walls that separate people. “God of justice and peace, we come praying for just peace in the Holy Land,” he prayed. “We pray for the end of occupation and the increase of conflict resolution.” During the past month, the WCC Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel published an “Easter Initiative” that included a series of video narratives, feature stories and prayers “following in the footsteps of Jesus” and spotlighting current realities under occupation. While Christians around the globe prepared to celebrate Easter, military occupation continued to severely impact communities in the same places where Jesus himself walked in the Easter story. The Easter Initiative connects the Biblical narrative with current realities in Palestine and Israel.   WCC-EAPPI Easter initiative to follow the footsteps of Jesus, spotlighting current realities under occupation   Initiative de Pâques de l’EAPPI du COE pour suivre les pas de Jésus, mettant en lumière les réalités actuelles sous l’occupation   EAPPI-Initiative zu Ostern folgt den Spuren Jesu und beleuchtet gegenwärtigen Lebensrealitäten unter Besatzung   Iniciativa de Pascua del PEAPI del CMI: Tras los pasos de Jesús con las realidades actuales de la ocupación en el punto de mira   مبادرة عيد الفصح المشتركة بين مجلس الكنائس العالمي وبرنامج المرافقة المسكوني في فلسطين وإسرائيل للسير على خطى يسوع المسيح بإبراز الوقائع الراهنة تحت وطأة الاحتلال 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 350 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