WCC interview: Rev. Canon Dr Carlton Turner reflects on what “decolonizing” really means

Rev. Canon Dr Carlton Turner of the Church in the Province of the West Indies serves with the Queen’s Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education Birmingham, UK, and is a member of the World Council of Churches Faith and Order Commission. He took time to reflect on an international colloquium, "Decolonizing Ecumenical Hermeneutics,” held in June. Photo; Albin Hillert/WCC 28 July 2026 The International colloquium was organized by the Wittenberg Center for Advanced Studies, World Council of Churches Commission on Faith and Order, Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, and Faculty of Theology at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. At the colloquium, Rev. Canon Dr Carlton Turner offered a keynote entitled “Decolonisation and the Inner Journey of the Church: A Caribbean Observation.”  What did you take away from the colloquium? Dr Turner: A robust conversation about what decolonization means has been going on, and what I really appreciate is that the work is continuing to be promoted. What do we need in order to have a true ecumenical dialogue about decolonization?  Dr Turner: I think in order to have a true ecumenical dialogue, we must first have enough denominational or faith-based groupings—our own internal conversations. Unless we are prepared to do that, then our ecumenical conversations won’t be deep enough. I think that’s exactly what we are doing—presenting these ideas, these challenges where, for example, Europe might get to know a context like the Caribbean, one that has a related but different history. Unless we know what’s exactly going on and what is challenging us, I don’t think we get as deeply as we can in really wrestling with the concepts and ideas. Do you have hope for change? Dr Turner: I think, because I am in these communities, I learn as much as I teach. Plus, I think I remember where I come from and the challenge we have. I’m rooted or try to be rooted in material reality or cultural context so working here in the UK, I am focusing on racial justice. I am always involved in things that need some thinking though. I just want people to continue this great work and move it around the globe so people are aware of the message, the discussions, the kinds of connections of Nicaea 2025, and how those discussions affect how we train clergy, how we do theology, and how we do theological research. That’s my hope and, with these encounters, I can support that. How does this help the next generation of theologians?  Dr Turner: We’re doing this to shape what’s to come. I’d like to make sure that we think long-term, and we think deep. We need to figure out all the ways in which our theologies are problematic, unhelpful, complex, and give our next generation tools to deal with all of our baggage. We are not innocent or neutral. I take an inward journey approach, as that’s the only way we can get disentangled from some of these things. The only way to face our problems is to turn inward and face ourselves. Young generations can have the tools, and one of the key tools is a de-colonial approach that is meant to question, challenge, and retrain basic assumptions.  International colloquium offers de-colonial lens on theology (WCC news release, 26 June 2026) 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 356 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 interview: Communicators in Ukraine are “bearing witness to truth, resilience, compassion”

Marianne Ejdersten, director of communication for the World Council of Churches (WCC), traveled with a WCC-led delegation to Ukraine for a solidarity visit on 14-17 July. She took time to reflect on the communications operation, on the prophetic voices that touched her heart, and what we can pray for the communicators that remain in Ukraine. From left: Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, Conference of European Churches general secretary; and Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of communication; Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary; and Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee. Photo: Deacon Andrii Sydor/Orthodox Church of Ukraine 23 July 2026 As you headed up a communications operation from Ukraine, what were the biggest logistical challenges?  Ejdersten: Traveling in war zones is always a major challenge, depending on the location, language barriers, and culture. That’s my experience after more than 25 years of experience with field visits, this time an ecumenical solidarity visit to Ukraine with a delegation of five leaders. Attacks on Kyiv escalated just a week ahead of the visit, but we decided to go despite the increased number of missiles and drones. There were certainly practical challenges in Ukraine as well—moving the delegation safely, working around air raid alerts, adjusting travel plans at short notice, and finding reliable connectivity to monitor all four very much-needed apps for air raid alerts, local maps, shelters, and bomb maps—but what stayed with me most was the responsibility of telling people’s stories with care. Every meeting, every photograph, and every conversation carried a deep sense of responsibility. We wanted to communicate what was happening, but never at the expense of accuracy, dignity, or the safety of those who welcomed us into their lives. It was a constant balance between responding quickly and taking the time to truly listen. It's important to listen with a humble heart, as a guest staying for a short period of time in a violent environment. You realize this is the host's everyday life and reality. I joined the WCC delegation only 14 days in advance, replacing a colleague to coordinate the visit and be in charge of the planning, programme, protocol, security, and coordination with the local host. On top of that, I tried my very best to make the solidarity visit visible with support of colleagues in the WCC, with the Conference of European Churches, and locally in Kyiv. Due to the security with the delegation, we published all the material upon returning to Poland.  In the meantime, we coordinated the internal communication with WhatsApp and Signal. Which prophetic voices in Ukraine most deeply touched your heart? Ejdersten: At the core of the WCC communication is the prophetic voice, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and sharing the stories of the "living fellowship" that would otherwise remain unheard. So many voices heard in Kyiv. They were church leaders, pastors, Bossey alumni, volunteers quietly serving others each day, and people who had endured tremendous loss but still spoke about hope, faith, and reconciliation. I was deeply moved by their courage and by their refusal to allow fear or hatred to define them. Their witness reminded me that prophecy is often something that is lived out before it is spoken. WCC communication will return and work on more local and spiritual feature material. From left: Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, Conference of European Churches general secretary; and Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of communication; and Rev. Karin van den Broeke, WCC central and executive committee member. Photo: Metropolitan Gabriel. What has changed for you about the way you think about the churches and people in Ukraine? Ejdersten: I left Ukraine with heavy heart due to the war, but with a much deeper sense of admiration, respect, and connection. The churches are not standing on the sidelines—they are at the heart of their communities, offering shelter, comfort, practical support, and hope. I was also humbled by the resilience of the people we met. Even in the midst of uncertainty and loss, they welcomed us with generosity, honesty, and trust. They shared their stories with us, and that is something I will never take for granted. It reminded me that our role as communicators is not simply to report events, but to help people recognize one another’s humanity.  What can we pray for church communicators, journalists, and photographers in Ukraine and elsewhere covering war situations who are working every day to tell the truth in the face of great adversity? Ejdersten: Please pray first for their protection. Many of them work under enormous pressure and personal risk while carrying the emotional weight of the stories they tell. Pray that they will have strength for each day, wisdom to communicate with integrity, and moments of rest and renewal when they need them most. Media plays an very important role to serve as the foundational pillar of democracy by providing the public with factual information, serving as a watchdog over those in power, and acting as a public forum for diverse perspectives. And pray that they never lose sight of hope. Their work is about much more than documenting destruction. It is about bearing witness to truth, resilience, compassion, and the quiet acts of faith that continue every day. My prayer is that they will know they are not alone—that the fellowship  stands with them, listens to them, and continues to pray for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in the Middle East, in Sudan,  and elsewhere around the globe facing violence and wars. A WCC delegation made a solidarity visit to Ukraine on 14-17 July, walking in hope and praying with churches and communities for an end to the war.  The delegation included: Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary; Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee; Rev. Karin van den Broeke, WCC central and executive committee member; H.E. Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionias and Philadelphia, Church of Greece, WCC central committee member and WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs commissioner; Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, Conference of European Churches general secretary; and Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of communication. Photo gallery WCC delegation makes solidarity visit to Ukraine (WCC news release, 17 July 2026) In Ukraine, churches “sustain hope when hope has been tested” (WCC news release, 17 July 2026) WCC delegation meets with Ukrainian government officials (WCC news release, 17 July 2026) H.E. Metropolitan Gabriel: Ukrainian people “a unique example of resilience and unity” (WCC interview, 17 July 2026) Rev. Karin van den Broeke: “The most important thing for now is getting and showing support for Ukraine” (WCC interview, 20 July 2026) Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach: In Ukraine, “their suffering is not forgotten” (WCC interview, 21 July 2026) 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 356 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 interview: Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach: In Ukraine, “their suffering is not forgotten”

Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, general secretary of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), was part of a World Council of Churches (WCC)-led delegation that made a solidarity visit to Ukraine on 14-17 July. He took time to reflect on his impressions of the people he met, and on why a solidarity visit can ultimately be an expression of apostolic truth. Photo: Deacon Andrii Sydor/Orthodox Church of Ukraine 21 July 2026 What do you take with you from the WCC solidarity visit? Rev. Fischbach: I am thankful to WCC that CEC was invited to join the WCC delegation for this solidarity visit. We worked very well together, and it was an example how ecumenical organisations on different geographical levels can act together. I felt ashamed how this solidarity visit was received as a bold, courageous, and true sign of solidarity, because I thought of all Ukrainians experiencing this war and the threats it poses every day for more than four years. But it proved that this kind of visit strengthens the Ukrainian churches and the Ukrainian society because they feel that they are not alone and are part of a wider community. Finally, I take with me the impression that many Ukrainians are tired and traumatised by the war, but that they don’t want to give up and still want to defend their democratic way of life, their society, their country. As part of the pilgrimage, what is the most significant role the churches, CEC, and the global fellowship can play in Ukraine? Rev. Fischbach: The churches, CEC, and the global fellowship can support Ukraine and its churches in continuous prayers for a just and lasting peace. It became again obvious in this visit that the contact with churches outside Ukraine strengthens Ukrainians, that they are not alone, that others walk with them in these difficult and demanding times. Ukraine and the Ukrainian churches are part of Europe and they want to participate in the European integration process as well as being part of the global community. This honest, open and, at times, probing exchange helps Ukraine to better understand this interconnectedness and integration, just as it helps us to grasp Ukraine’s concerns and sense of identity. Ultimately, it also enables us to act as a voice for Ukraine in dealing with other institutions and bodies. Why is this kind of solidarity visit important? Rev. Fischbach: In the end, it is about personal contacts: Our delegation comes back, enriched by the different personal meetings and exchanges we had. It deepened our perception of the situation of Ukraine and the Ukrainian churches. It makes a difference to read the statements of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations (UCCRO) or to sit at a table with all members of UCCRO in Kyiv and to listen their voices, their wisdom, their experiences, and wishes towards us. Several times we were told that this visit encourages and comforts the people, and church and state representatives. In a humble understanding, it is an expression of the apostolic truth that if one member suffers, all suffer together with them. We are not at all suffering as the Ukrainians, but it was well received that we express our solidarity and that their suffering is not forgotten, not one day.  A WCC delegation made a solidarity visit to Ukraine on 14-17 July, walking in hope and praying with churches and communities for an end to the war.  The delegation included: Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary; Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee; Rev. Karin van den Broeke, WCC central and executive committee member; H.E. Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionias and Philadelphia, Church of Greece, WCC central committee member and WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs commissioner; Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, Conference of European Churches general secretary; and Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of communication. Photo gallery WCC delegation makes solidarity visit to Ukraine (WCC news release, 17 July 2026) In Ukraine, churches “sustain hope when hope has been tested” (WCC news release, 17 July 2026) WCC delegation meets with Ukrainian government officials (WCC news release, 17 July 2026) H.E. Metropolitan Gabriel: Ukrainian people “a unique example of resilience and unity” (WCC interview, 17 July 2026) Rev. Karin van den Broeke: “The most important thing for now is getting and showing support for Ukraine” (WCC interview, 20 July 2026) 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 356 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 INTERVIEW: Local communities show strong agency in honing communications networks

The World Council of Churches, along with ecumenical and civil society partners, are preparing for the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance, convened by the United Nations and being held in Geneva, 6-7 July. Participants in a symposium on "Our Common Future: Advocating for Digital Rights and AI Accountability" held in mid-April in Berlin reflect on some of the issues that will come to the fore in the Global Dialogue. 14 April 2026, Berlin, Germany: Carlos Baca (Mexico) pictured at an International symposium entitled ”Our Common Future: Advocating for Digital Rights and AI Accountability”, organized by the World Association for Christian Communication in collaboration with the World Council of Churches, Evangelische Mission Weltweit - Association of Protestant Churches and Missions in Germany, and Brot für die Welt, and held on 13-14 April 2026 in Berlin, Germany, bringing together 25 invited participants representing key ecumenical networks and partners. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 09 July 2026 In many communities in Mexico, over the past 15 years, communications science, radio, and now artificial intelligence (AI) have vastly changed.  When Carlos Baca first entered the local telecommunications sector, he was helping people mainly with advocacy and regulatory issues they were facing. He has been working with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities developing telecommunications and community communication projects through the organizations Redes, A.C., and Rhizomatica. Baca wished to acknowledge the collective work carried out by the organizations involved together with the communities themselves, which have ultimately been the driving force behind this process.  He shared some real-life examples from his experience. Over the years, Baca has followed a methodology that involves the community, and the decision of what organizations need to do is based on the real needs within that community.  “We started to work with connectivity, so we got involved in this process that we now call a community network,” Baca said.  “We developed a community network together with the communities in Oaxaca.” An evolving network  Baca explained that the network in Oaxaca is a mobile community network, so he and his team developed the entire system, including an economic model, as well as the regulatory aspects that allow the network to exist. “This is a network that has been evolving over the years,” said Baca. He described that, currently, “there are now 17 communities in Oaxaca who have their own infrastructure to operate a network, and they have now 4G networks in these communities. My background and my dream is to work with the communities in the capacity-building aspect to understand technologies and to make decisions based on this knowledge about technologies.” Baca noted that the initiative, which began in 2013, is the result of a long, complex journey involving regulatory changes, capacity-building efforts, technological appropriation processes within communities, and many other lessons learned along the way. “Today it stands as an internationally recognized reference, as there is no other network of this nature operating at a comparable scale anywhere else in the world,” he said.  For approximately the last five years, the organization has consolidated itself as a mobile virtual network operator. “Through Mexico’s shared network model, it is able to operate nationally while ensuring that the value generated is redistributed back to the participating communities through a different and more community-oriented model,” said Baca, who also  That’s why it’s important for people to address and understand AI—what it really is and its real implication in people’s lives. The moral voice needs to come from the grassroots, he said. “I am really sure that these discussions about technology are happening on the ground,” he added.  Involve the people   Baca said that, at times, high-level discussions on technology keep us from seeing how people solve their communications challenges on the ground.  “We are talking about mobilizing; we are talking about the need for regulation. There is this urge to just make sure things just don't get out of hand. But if the right conditions are created in the local communities, wonderful things happen,” he said. Baca offered an example from Oaxaca that occurred when a community tried to move from 2G networks to 4G networks.  "The simple answer is always that, of course, we want to have internet, but the people in this community know about the network itself, and how it works,” he said. “They say that the main characteristic of the network is the communication, so it needs to be always available.” Community members believed that, if they had internet and all the people want to go to YouTube to see funny videos, the internet would get saturated and they would not be able to use it for communication.  “So, they said, we need to ban YouTube,” said Baca. “But someone said, no, no, this is not the only thing that we have in YouTube. We also have, for example, videos to repair my truck.” Ultimately, he added, it's really a collective decision in the community to make the rules based on the understanding of the technology itself. “When these things happen, people have to have enough knowledge to know the technologies, and to know the real needs that they can solve with it,” said Baca. “And then they have the space to decide about these resources. They can do different things that we cannot imagine.” 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 356 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