WCC NEWS: At Yonsei University in South Korea, WCC reiterates critical importance of churches including young people

In an address to students at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, on 2 July, Peter Prove, director of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, spoke on “The Rise of Christian Far-Right Extremism and the Response of the Global Ecumenical Community.” Photo: Yonsei University 02 July 2025 Prove noted that, unfortunately, the potential fragility of democracy and of hard-won human rights is currently on display in many parts of the world. “And far-right extremist elements in the churches and Christian communities are increasingly salient drivers of these worrying developments,” he said. “The WCC stands for the God-given human dignity of every human being, and for human rights as the legal expression and protection of the diverse aspects of human dignity.” The extremes of both the right and the left threaten those values, Prove  noted. “In the context of such an unprecedented convergence of global crises, cooperation among the nations and peoples of the world has never been more urgently and critically necessary,” he said. “In my view, actually reading the Gospel is the best medicine for many of these problems within the churches and Christian communities.” Prove added that he is encouraged by the growing number of Christian influencers on social media channels who seek to challenge Christian extremism by reference to scripture and the Gospel of Christ. “The choice of forum for these responses is also important, since so much extremist messaging is disseminated via social media,” he said. “Further, it is of critical importance that churches focus on their ministries to, and their inclusion of, young people.” Prove’s address to the students was an abridged version of a keynote lecture he gave at a conference in Seoul entitled “The Rise of Christian Far-Right Extremism and the Response of the Global Ecumenical Community.”  Prove also visited the Democracy and Human Rights Memorial Hall, and attended a meeting of Ecumenical Forum for Korea, where those gathered discussed the situation on the Korean Peninsula following the impeachment and the change of administration. They also discussed plans to organize an international conference in 2026 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Glion Consultation. WCC shares insights on rise of Christian far-right extremism, (WCC News release, 1 July 2025) Learn more about Young people in the ecumenical movement 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 NEWS: Emma Van Dorp reflects on how young people will be involved in 2025 commemorations

Emma Van Dorp, from the Confederation of Switzerland, Eglise Protestante de Genève, is a member of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on Young People in the Ecumenical Movement. Emma Van Dorp. Photo: Mark Anthony N. Cuyos 04 March 2025 As a young person in the Theology and Spiritual Life Working Group, how do you see youth shaping the spiritual and theological conversations within the ecumenical movement this year? Van Dorp: This year is very special for the ecumenical movement. It is a year of celebrations as we celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea and the 100th anniversary of the Life and Work Conference in Stockholm. With these events, we focus on the church’s history. But why should young people be involved on historical matters? We often hear that youth are part of the future; nevertheless, now is the year to show that we are, first of all, part of the present. Young people can shape the conversations by participating in these anniversaries locally and globally. I believe many young people who are engaged in the ecumenical movement can propose local activities, such as a conference on these two historical events. or use the Nicene Creed in their liturgies. Globally, they can participate in the WCC’s webinars, the Ecumenical International Youth Day, the 6th Faith and Order World Conference, and many other events to show that we, the young people, can address matters of the past and make them relevant for today. What role do you think young people can play in the 6th World Conference of Faith and Order key celebrations, and how can they bring fresh perspectives to these milestones? Van Dorp: Young people will be present in different groups of the conference, either as students with GETI (Global Ecumenical Theological Institute), young delegates from member churches, and youth members of the Faith and Order Commission. They are eager to learn and participate in the conference. I believe young people can play a key role in our coming world conference. As we celebrate the anniversary of an event that happened 1700 years ago, we might think that there is nothing more to say on the theological discussions that occurred. However, the presence of youth during the conference will show the opposite. They will bring fresh input on theological matters such as unity and mission today.  Young people will participate in panels, workshops, and discussions and be part of the facilitators’ team. Through their active participation, they will use their knowledge to see how the Nicene Creed is relevant for our current and future theological research. Youth commissioners engaging in activities and discussions during their first in-person meeting, Manila, Philippines, November 2024. Photo: Mark Anthony N. Cuyos What initiatives or activities are being planned by the Young People in the Ecumenical Movement Commission to engage youth in theological reflection and ecumenical dialogue this year?  Van Dorp: During this year, the commission members will help to organize online workshops planned with the youth desk, during the Ecumenical International Youth Day and will write blog posts on the joint Easter celebration. In each of these initiatives, the commission members will engage with other young people to ensure that a diversity of young voices is heard in the ecumenical movement.  What are some of the challenges young people face in getting involved in ecumenical work, and how can churches and ecumenical bodies better support and empower youth leadership especially this year? Van Dorp: I believe that one main challenge in ecumenical work is making sure that young voices are heard. We, as young people, also have knowledge and experience in church life and theology. We are eager to work with every generation on our mission for church unity. We are encouraged by the strong response from young people eager to engage in ecumenical work. To continue supporting their involvement, I encourage member churches and ecumenical bodies to propose and recommend young people as delegates for this year’s ecumenical events, including the Faith and Order Conference, and various local ecumenical gatherings. Young people in the ecumenical movement Learn more about 2025 – An Ecumenical Year on the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity 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: World Council of Churches opens applications for 2025 Stewards Programme

The World Council of Churches (WCC) invites young people from across the globe to apply for the 2025 Stewards Programme, scheduled to take place from 14-26 June 2025. This exciting programme offers a unique opportunity for youth ages 18-30 to engage with the global ecumenical movement and actively contribute to the work of the WCC. The deadline for applications is 30 November 2024. WCC central committee moderator Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford Strohm pictured in conversation with Emma Rahman and a group of other stewards in the Ecumenical Centre chapel as the World Council of Churches central committee gathers in Geneva on 21-27 June 2023, for its first full meeting following the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe in 2022. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 30 September 2024 Participants in the Stewards Programme will be part of a diverse and dynamic community of young Christians from different backgrounds, churches, and regions. Together, they will bring their faith, experiences, and vision to create an enriching ecumenical experience of fellowship and collaboration. The programme will be conducted in English, the working language for the event.   Rich ecumenical experience The 2025 Stewards Programme includes a comprehensive onsite formation in Johannesburg, South Africa. Stewards will arrive four days prior to the WCC central committee meeting and engage in workshops, discussions, and activities that explore the history, values, and mission of the ecumenical movement. This learning period prepares participants to fully understand their role and make meaningful contributions during the meeting. The programme is designed to equip young people with the tools to carry forward their ecumenical insights into their local churches and communities, fostering unity and action worldwide.   Empowering the next generation Abigayle Bolado, programme executive for the WCC’s Young People in the Ecumenical Movement programme, highlighted the longstanding impact of the Stewards Programme on the ecumenical movement. “The Stewards Programme has played a crucial role in shaping the active participation and involvement of young people in the ecumenical movement over the years. I've had the privilege of hearing from numerous individuals who were once part of the Stewards Programme and are now assuming leadership roles in different local and global ecumenical platforms. Each of them has emphasized how the Stewards Programme significantly influenced their interest in active participation in the movement,” Bolado reflected. She continued, “It’s not just about engaging in the technical and logistical aspects; it is about embracing broader opportunities to partake in discussions and important conversations within the ecumenical movement. I am eagerly anticipating the involvement of young stewards in the central committee of 2025 and the continued expansion of the ecumenical platform for, and with, the youth!”   Call to service in Christ’s love The Stewards’ Programme is more than a time of service—it is a response to Christ’s call to be co-workers in the ministry of reconciliation and peace-making. Young people are encouraged to bring their unique gifts, perspectives, and faith stories to this gathering, with the hope of returning to their home communities as ambassadors of the ecumenical vision: a world moved by Christ’s love, on a Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity. The WCC seeks young people who are eager to bring their ecumenical experiences back to their local contexts, motivated to spread Christ’s love, by “doing ecumenism” in their communities.  Interested youth are encouraged to submit applications by 30 November 2024.   Click here to download the Application form Young People in the Ecumenical Movement 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