WCC News: WCC, Armenia Roundtable Foundation explore stronger collaboration

The World Council of Churches (WCC) welcomed Prof. Dr Karen Nazaryan, executive director of the Armenia Roundtable Foundation, to the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva for a series of strategic meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation in ecumenical diakonia and social development. WCC Armenia Round Table staff members, in the yard of St. Mesrop Mashtots church in   Oshakan, together with Rev. Vazgen Hovhannisyan, accepted the household goods provided by the UNHCR for the forcibly displaced people of Artsakh residing in the region. Displaced people living in Oshakan were quick to help, and they were the first to receive refrigerators, gas stoves and sleeping bags-blankets. Photo: Armenia Round Table Facebook page 05 February 2025 During his visit, Nazaryan met with WCC leadership, members of the Life, Justice, and Peace department, and the Reference Group on Ecumenical Diakonia. The discussions reflected on how diakonia—rooted in Christ's love and justice—continues to transform lives, particularly through the roundtable model in Armenia. Opportunities for deeper collaboration emerged, including an Eastern European consultation on diakonia and expanded eco-diakonia initiatives between WCC and the foundation. Nazaryan also underscored the growing challenge of addiction and substance abuse in Armenia, inviting WCC to partner in advocacy, training, treatment, and pastoral accompaniment. Proposals were made to expand diakoniatraining and peer learning, strengthening the global network of faith-based service. Reflecting on the visit, Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Life, Justice, and Peace, emphasized the profound impact of the foundation’s work: “For nearly four decades, the Armenia Roundtable Foundation has embodied the church’s mission to serve. Through structured diaconal engagement, they have demonstrated how faith communities can respond to crises—whether conflict, economic instability, or humanitarian need—with resilience and hope. WCC looks forward to deepening this journey together, sharing these valuable lessons throughout the global ecumenical family.” Prof. Dr. Karen Nazaryan (center), executive director of the Armenia Roundtable Foundation, together with Rev. Dr. Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Life, Justice, and Peace, and the Living Planet programme staff at the Ecumenical Center in Geneva, Switzerland. Photo: Gloria Charles/WCC The Armenia Roundtable Foundation continues to play a vital role in social diakonia in Armenia, collaborating with ACT Alliance, ecumenical partners, and the United Nations. The foundation supports humanitarian aid, education, job creation, and sustainable development, especially in remote areas. The foundation also collaborates with theological institutions to prepare churches for diaconal leadership. Nadia Balgobin, WCC advisor on Ecumenical Diakonia and Sustainable Development, emphasized the significance of the collaboration: "Through strengthened cooperation, WCC and the Armenia Roundtable Foundation seek to expand training opportunities, scale up best practices, and enhance ecumenical diakonia efforts in Armenia and the region. The visit of the foundation director reflects strong leadership and commitment to diakonia,as he has been a pioneer in integrating diaconal work as a core mission of the church.” Document “Called To Transformation”document on Ecumenical Diakonia Diakonia and ecumenical solidarity 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

WCC NEWS: WCC Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation Reference Group holds first online meeting

The World Council of Churches (WCC) Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation Reference Group held its first online meeting on 15 October. Interfaith vigil held at George Square on the opening day of the United Nations climate change conference COP26 in Glasgow, Photo: Albin Hillert/Life on Earth pictures 25 October 2024 The meeting was grounded by the reality that religion is increasingly implicated in all the conflicts worldwide, reflected Dr Elias El Halabi, associate professor and director of Sheikh Nahyan Center for Arabic Studies & Intercultural Dialogue as well as chairperson of the Christian Muslim Studies Center at the University of Balamand, El Koura, Lebanon. Halabi moderated the discussion. “Dialogue is the only answer and the best cure to all the violence committed in the name of religion,” said Halabi, adding that the reference group with its diverse membership has a crucial role to play in advocating for interfaith dialogue as a sign of hope and a witness to God’s unconditional love for all human kind. “Striving for peace with justice is a tangible commitment by all people of faith and good will to the God of love and mercy,” he said. “The online gathering is an opportunity to discover the rich expertise that each member brings to the group.” The reference group was able to shed light on the various endeavors in the field of interfaith work at local or regional levels.  Rev. Dr Kuzipa Nalwamba, WCC programme director for Unity, Mission and Ecumenical Formation, referred to the strategic aim of the reference group: “to work for bilateral and multi-lateral dialogue with partners of other faiths at international level, to facilitate interreligious partnerships in all areas of work of the WCC, and to contribute to the conceptual horizon of interpreting the meaning of oikoumene today by creating and maintaining trust as a prerequisite to, and ongoing need for, interreligious solidarity in a world that is ambivalent about the role of religion in society.” Prof. Angeliki Ziaka, WCC programme executive for Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation, welcomed all participants and emphasized the importance of including members of other faiths in the reference group. “I commend the deep expertise of each member of this group in interreligious dialogue," she said. " As we move forward, there are steps to be taken to continue what has already been achieved, thanks to the work of our predecessors. Together, we will work on new initiatives that prioritize interreligious understanding and cooperation. Your insights and expertise are vital in advancing a shared vision of dialogue and peace.” The reference group affirmed the importance of continuing the interreligious engagement of the WCC and the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue; the YATRA interreligious formation programme for young people, a programme initiated by the WCC in collaboration with the Christian Conference of Asia; and of supporting Current Dialogue, the journal that disseminates the WCC's interreligious work offering a platform for debate to those who want to build bridges across religious divides and to their partners of different faiths. The group agreed to meet online three times a year to ensure ongoing communication and collaboration, and to meet in-person once a year in one of the countries represented by the reference group members with the aim of fostering stronger relationships and deeper engagement.   Learn more about the WCC interreligious work Current Dialogue - World Council of Churches’ journal on interreligious dialogue "WCC, KAICIID explore areas of cooperation" (WCC news release, 23 October 2024) 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

WCC NEWS: WCC extends joyous wishes to Muslim communities on Eid El Fitr

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, in a letter to His Eminence Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Dr Ahmad el-Tayeb, extended joyous wishes to the entire Muslim community on Eid El Fitr.  Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth Pictures 10 April 2024 This sacred time, which marks the end of Ramadan, is a profound moment of reflection, gratitude, and celebration, embodying the enduring spirit and deep faith that guides millions around the globe in their daily lives,” wrote Pillay. “In these challenging times, as the world navigates through trials of unprecedented scale, the Islamic principles of compassion, solidarity, and living a life of dignity and peace shine as beacons of hope and pillars of strength for all humanity.”   Pillay noted that the WCC honors the common ground that unites Christians and Muslims.    “In a spirit of solidarity, we stand with you, motivated by a collective vision of a world where every person, irrespective of faith or background, can lead a life marked by dignity, peace, and prosperity,” Pillay wrote. “This vision urges us to collaborate, in fraternity and mutual respect, to forge pathways of understanding and contribute to the common good of all.”    Learn more about the WCC interreligious work 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

MEDIA ADVISORY: Media accreditation remains open for the WCC central committee meeting

The World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee will convene at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, 21 – 27 June. Media accreditation is mandatory for access to open sessions, press conferences, briefings, and seminars – onsite, as well as online. Photo: Albin Hillert 19 June 2023 Apply for accreditation by filling out the form. This central committee meeting will predominately focus on strategies and concrete measures for achieving goals staked out by the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe last year. Turning priorities into actions in all programmatic areas and further strengthening the WCC’s influence on world affairs in a spirit of pilgrimage of justice reconciliation, and unity, are key objectives.      The WCC central committee will also celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Council in multiple ways, starting 25 June with the Sunday Worship in St Pierre Cathedral at 10:00, and with a special celebration in the Ecumenical Centre at 14:00, where participants will have the chance to revisit WCC’s 75 years of history through the testimonies of people who have been engaged in many areas of its work and hear from younger generations about perspectives for the future. Live stream of the Sunday Worship at St Pierre Cathedral on 25 June will be available at the YouTube channel of the Protestant Church of Geneva: https://www.youtube.com/@protestantgeneve Live stream of the WCC central committee opening prayer on 21 June and the 75th anniversary celebration on 25 June will be available at the WCC YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/worldcouncilofchurches The agenda for the central committee can be found here. The central committee meets normally every two years and serves as the chief governing body of the WCC between assemblies. The central committee is responsible for implementing the policies adopted by the assembly, as well as reviewing and supervising WCC programmes and the budget of the council. The current central committee’s mandate terminates at the WCC 12th Assembly, scheduled to take place in 2030. Tentative schedule for media activities on opening day, Wednesday 21 June: 10:30 CET: Media orientation – onsite and online. 8.30 – 17:30 CET: Open sessions with onsite access to the media.  The standing committees, regional and confessional meetings are not open to media. 12:45 – 13:15 Opening press conference with the moderator of the central committee Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm and Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the WCC. .  For your convenience, the moderator’s opening address on 21 June, as well as the general secretary’s report, will be made available under embargo for accredited media from 09:00 CET on Wednesday 21 June. Media activities during the remainder of the central committee meeting will include daily orientations, thematic briefings (topics to be advised), and more. Details will follow. A fully equipped WCC onsite media centre will be open daily. More information about the WCC central committee and other governing bodies of WCC, as well as news releases and other information, can be found at the web www.oikoumene.org For further questions and inquiries, please email our media inbox: media@wcc-coe.org You are also most welcome to contact: Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of Communication, mej@wcc-coe.org, +41 79 507 6363. Claus Grue, WCC communication consultant and media coordinator, clg@wcc-coe.org, +46 70 611 0977. WCC central committee will gather, focus on post-assembly strategy to help the world heal | World Council of Churches (oikoumene.org) Central committee, June 2023 | World Council of Churches (oikoumene.org) 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: WCC executive committee convenes to prepare for central committee meeting

The World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee will convene from 19-20 June to focus on preparations for the WCC central committee, which will meet on 21-27 June. Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee, during the meeting of the WCC executive committee at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, 19 June 2023. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC 19 June 2023 The executive committee, which will meet at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, will review the proposed annotated agenda for the central committee, the draft report of the executive committee to the central committee, the assembly evaluation prepared for the central committee, nominations and proposals for the leadership of commissions and joint consultative groups, and matters referred to the leadership of the finance sub-committee, including the draft investment policy. WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay will introduce the WCC strategic plan 2023-2030 to the executive committee. The strategic plan offers a common direction to guide the work of the WCC as a fellowship of churches until the next assembly. It includes an integrated programmatic approach to fulfil the mandate of the assembly and serves as a tool for monitoring activities and institution sustainability. The executive committee will also discuss the process of electing a new permanent committee on consensus and collaboration.  The governing body will also spend time praying together, as well as sharing on recent developments in the life of their churches and their ministries, and other events in the life of the ecumenical movement.  A consensus facilitation team will present an orientation on the work of the executive committee and the central committee. Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee, said he was very much looking forward to the meeting. “Since the election at the WCC 11th Assembly, we have already built great trust in each other, which will be a great basis for our common work,” he said. Photo gallery of the WCC executive committee meeting, 19-20 June 2023 Learn more about the WCC Executive committee WCC executive committee convenes from 19-20 June at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/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