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Documents related to the WCC programme "Justice, diakonia and responsibility for creation"

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Document Roadmap for Congregations, Communities and Churches for an Economy of Life and Ecological Justice
An invitation to congregations, communities and churches to discuss a 5-step programme to change the way we deal with the economy and our ecological surroundings.
Document Letter of thanks for WCC sympathies and concerns about the fires and drought in Sweden
Dr Antje Jackelén, Archbishop of the Church of Sweden, responds to a letter of 31 July letter from the WCC that expressed concern and extended sympathy on behalf of the WCC fellowship.
Document An Overview on the Imperative of Diakonia for the Church
Plenary presentation delivered by Prof. Isabel Apawo Phiri at the 11th All Africa Conference of Churches Assembly Kigali, Rwanda
Document Response to keynote speech: Upolu Lumā Vaai, Fiji Islands
Response to Mutale Mulenga-Kaunda's keynote speech at the CWME 2018.
Document An anniversary prayer from the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil
A prayer written by Rev. Silvio Schneider, Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil, adviser for Global Mission and Ecumene, for the 70th anniversary of the World Council of Churches.
Document Interfaith Statement to the Plenary of the High Level Ministerial Segment of COP23
Entitled “To Bonn and Beyond: Act Now with Justice and Peace”, the statement was read by Frances Namoumou, representing the WCC and the Pacific Conference of Churches, to the plenary of the High Level Ministerial Segment of the 23rd Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP23), in Bonn, Germany, where the United Nations Climate Change Conference took place under the presidency of Fiji.
Document Greetings to the 12th meeting of the synod of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD)
Greetings of the World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit to the 12th meeting of the synod of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) in Bonn, 12 November 2017
Document COP23 media pack
COP23 media pack available from ecumenical groups representing half a billion Christians worldwide.
Document Keynote by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Arctic Circle Assembly
Keynote address by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Arctic Circle Assembly (Reykjavik, 13 October 2017)
Document Ecumenical Centre Mobility Guide
The World Council of Churches, along with sister organizations in the Ecumenical Centre, is launching a sustainable mobility plan for all employees working at the Ecumenical Centre. After becoming a Blue Community in 2016, the World Council of Churches continues to pursue its commitment to responsible stewardship. This mobility guide contains tips and links to show why Geneva is the perfect place for experimenting with ways to commute differently.
Document On the occasion of Finn Church Aid marking 70 years
Sermon given by WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit on 27 September 2017, as Finn Church Aid celebrate 70 years.
Document Greetings on the occasion of the National Celebration of 500 years Reformation, Bern
Greetings of the WCC general secretary on the occasion of the National Celebration of 500 years Reformation, 18 June 2017, Bern, Switzerland
Document Communiqué of the Executive of the Joint Working Group, 27 April 2017
Communiqué issued on 27 April, where the group stresses that migration and peace-building in situations of violence are the two burning issues that the JWG wants to address more specifically during its present mandate.
Document Address of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
Address of H.A.H. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, at the World Council of Churches
Document Sermon by Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit at the Chapel of Ecumenical Centre during "Seven weeks for water" Lenten campaign 2017
Sermon by Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary, World Council of Churches, at the Chapel of Ecumenical Centre, Geneva, during Ecumenical Water Network's Lenten campaign "Seven weeks for water", 20 March 2017
Document Sermon by the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit at the Opening service of Lenten campaign “Seven Weeks for Water”, 2017
Sermon by the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches at the Opening service of Lenten campaign “Seven Weeks for Water” on 1 March 2017 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Document A moment of truth in Davos: Address inequality now
The 2017 World Economic Forum has to some extent had a moment of truth: Economic globalization has created many problems and even conflicts that are now worrying for “the state of the world”.
Document WCC statement on climate justice
Statement on Climate Justice by the WCC executive committee, meeting in Nanjing, China, 17-23 November 2016
Document The Opening Ceremony Of The Exhibition “Restoring Our Humanity” Greetings on behalf of the World Council of Churches
Greetings on behalf of the World Council of Churches at the Opening Ceremony Of The Exhibition “Restoring Our Humanity”, on 11 October 2016.
Document Communiqué of the JWG Plenary Meeting 2016
With its 2016 plenary meeting, the Joint Working Group between the WCC and the Roman Catholic Church (JWG) returned to the Ecumenical Institute at the Château de Bossey near Geneva, where the first meeting of the group was held in 1965.
Document Pentecostal World Conference, address by Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit spoke during the opening day of the 24th Pentecostal World Conference, in São Paulo, Brazil, on 7 September 2016.
Document Creation Is Not For Sale
Climate Change speech in Wittenberg
Document Water in a sustainable future
Statement from the 11th Assembly of the European Christian Environmental Network
Document An invitation to the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace
Brochure with impulses for reflection on pilgrimage, justice and peace, and pilgrim spirituality.
Document Manifesto on an ecological reformation of all Christian traditions
Gathering at the Academy of Volos, in March 2016, participants stressed the concern that an ecological reformation of Christianity is possible, but can remain authentic only if it stays in the Spirit and is expressed in the form of a humble prayer...
Document Sources of water statistics for Seven Weeks for Water 2016
Presentation of sources of water statistics used by the Ecumenical Water Network for the Seven Weeks for Water campaign 2016.
Document Open letter to Gatestone Institute
The WCC sent an open letter to the Gatestone Institute in response to the institute’s web articles criticizing the WCC’s “Seven Weeks for Water” campaign.
Document The role of religion in sustainable development and peace
Speech given by the WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit at Partners for Change: Religions and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 17 February 2016.
Document Launch of Seven Weeks for Water 2016
Sermon by the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit at an ecumenical Ash Wednesday service at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Jerusalem
Document Caring for Our Common Home: An Ecumenical and Interreligious Concern
Comments on the encyclical letter Laudato Si’ of Pope Francis: The encyclical – earth as common home
Document COP21 High Level Dialogue
An address by the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit on behalf of Faith-Based Organizations at the United Nations climate summit in Paris.
Document Ecumenical Prayer for the Preservation of Creation
Order of service for the ecumenical celebration held at Notre Dame de Paris during the COP21 United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Document COP21, sermon by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
Read during the Ecumenical Prayer for the Preservation of Creation at Notre Dame de Paris.
Document Statement on UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, December 2015
The WCC Executive Committee states that, sfter more than 20 years of UN negotiations, COP21 has to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C.
Document Statement from religious leaders for the upcoming COP21
Statement of Faith and Spiritual Leaders on the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP21 in Paris in December 2015.
Document Speech for the public event in Lengerich Germany
Speech for the public event in Lengerich, Germany, delivered by Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the WCC.
Document Prayer of confession and intercession, related to SDG14, Life Below Water
(©2012 Rev. James Bhagwan, Fiji)
Document Prayers related to SDG6 Water and Sanitation
These materials were prepared by the Student Christian Movement India (SCMI) and first published by the WCC's Ecumenical Water Network (EWN).
Document Prayer for Everyone, Ecumenical Centre, September 2015
A special service organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) at the Ecumenical Centre chapel in Geneva, Switzerland, dedicated prayers to the United Nations post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Document Greetings for Flensburg and Brekklum
Greetings from the WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit for Flensburg and Brekklum events. climate justice initiatives.
Document Statement on Indigenous Ecological Spiritualties and Christian Faith
Statement on Indigenous Ecological Spiritualties and Christian Faith issued from seminar in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 17-20 August 2015.
Document Response from EWN on the Encyclical “Laudato si”
Response from EWN on the Encyclical “Laudato si” prepared by the EWN - International Reference Group – 2015
Document 50th anniversary of the JWG
Greetings by the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit on the 50th anniversary of the Joint Working Group between the Roman Catholic Church and the WCC.
Document Statement on the Encyclical Laudato Si’
Statement by the WCC general secretary on the Encyclical Letter "Laudato Si’" of Pope Francis on care for our common home
Document Climate Change - The policy of the national investing bodies of the Church of England
The central conclusions of the Fifth Assessment Report of the IPCC, published in 2013-2014, are that climate change is occurring and that human activity, particularly through the emission of carbon dioxide, is very likely to be the dominant cause.
Document Ending extreme poverty: A moral and spiritual imperative
Over 30 leaders from major world religions and heads of global faith-based organizations today launched a clarion call to action to end extreme poverty by 2030, a goal shared by the World Bank Group.
Document EWN reflections at morning prayer
Water has a deep spiritual significance in most religions. Particularly so when it comes to the Christian faith. There are numerous instances of water mentioned in the Bible. It begins with water in Genesis and it ends with Revelation...
Document Order of Service World Water Day 2015
The Ecumenical Water Network is in the midst of its Lenten campaign – the Seven Weeks for Water. The prayers this morning are dedicated to those millions of people who are deprived of enjoying the wonderful gift of God and the cradle of life - water.
Document Right to Hope
Presentation on “The adverse impacts of climate change on States’ efforts progressively to realize the right to food, and policies, lessons learned and good practices” – Human Rights Council, Geneva, 2015.
Document UNICEF Messages on Climate Change and Children
Climate change has been identified as the defining issue of our time. What does this mean for the children in our world?
Document Speech for the ACT Alliance Assembly 2014
WCC general secretray's speech for the ACT Alliance Assembly held from 21-24 October 2014 in Punta Cana, The Dominican Republic.
Document Interfaith statement on climate change
The statement produced at the Interfaith Summit on Climate Change 2014, presented to the deputy-secretary general of the UN, Jan Eliasson. The Interfaith Summit on Climate Change was hosted by the WCC and Religions for Peace in New York.
Document Report of the Finance Policy Committee
In recommending financial policies, the committee has aimed to ensure that the principles bear witness to our values of stewardship, accountability and economy of life, so that the policies may help us live out the pilgrimage of justice and peace.
Document Water crisis in Palestine
Statement of the Ecumenical Water Network, World Council of Churches, Jerusalem, June, 2014.
Document Beginning the Pilgrimage Towards Justice
A study guide for congregations and ecumenical pilgrims by Dr Emily Welty
Document Worship and background material for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2015
Jointly prepared and published by the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2015 is rooted in the experience of the churches in Brazil.
Document EWN at the 10th WCC Assembly - A Report
The EWN participated in the WCC 10th Assembly in 2013 to share its achievements and struggles in fulfilling the mandate given to it in the previous assembly.
Document Ecumenical Conversations Report
Reports, Affirmations and Challenges from the Ecumenical Conversations at the WCC 10th Assembly
Document Minute on Climate Justice
Adopted by the WCC 10th Assembly as part of the Report of the Public Issues Committee.
Document Statement on the Way of Just Peace
The Statement on the Way of Just Peace was adopted by the WCC 10th Assembly as part of the Report of the Public Issues Committee.
Document Climate refugees
People Displaced by Climate Change and the Role of the Churches: A co-publication of Brot für die Welt, the Pacific Conference of Churches and the World Council of Churches.
Document Prayer of renewal and blessing, related to SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production
From Hallelujah! (AWPC © 2013 WCC)
Document EWN statement from Berlin consultation
The statement "God, lead us to abundant life and peace through water justice" reflecting outcomes of discussions among participants at the strategic consultation of the Ecumenical Water Network held in Berlin, Germany from 10 to12 June 2013
Document Living Water
Bible study on Acts 8:26-40 by Eleni Kasselouri-Hatzivassiliadi for the WCC Assembly, 4 November 2013: The text relates the mission of the Spirit to the symbol of the water of life. The Holy Spirit is the Life-giver, who sustains and empowers life and sends out God’s people to preach the good news of Jesus Christ. How and where do we discern God’s life-giving work, and how are we enabled to participate in God’s mission today?
Document Roll Justice
Bible study on Amos 5:14-24 by Katie G. Cannon for the WCC Assembly, 1 November 2013: Asia is the continent of suffering and hope. On the one hand, the text focuses on people’s suffering and struggle for justice; on the other hand, it provides a vision of the reign of God. Moreover, it suggests concrete ways in which to live out kingdom values on earth through the achievement of justice and peace. Wrestling with the text to find ways to transform suffering, tears and despair into liberation, joy and hope, in the Bible and in our context, is the focus.
Document Do Just This – Protect Life!
Bible study on Genesis 2:4b-17 by Jione Havea for the WCC Assembly, 31 October 2013: The God of life created human beings from the earth with God’s breath of life. The very nature of human life is in connection with God and creation. God entrusted us with the mission to look after the garden of life and forbad us to eat the fruits that tempt us to be like the Almighty God. The opening Bible study is a reflection on the nature of life and how to celebrate, sustain and affirm it in relation to the theme of the assembly. Diverse contextual readings of the text are possible.
Document Greetings to the DIAKONIA 21st World Assembly in Berlin
Speech of the WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit at the DIAKONIA 21st World Assembly in Berlin, Germany on 1 July addressing the theme “Diaconia – Healing and Wholeness for the World”.
Document Morning prayer on Earth Day 2013
Order of service created for morning prayer at the Ecumenical Centre, Geneva, on Monday, 22 April 2013
Document Order of prayer on water and baptism
Also published in "Hallelujah!" (AWPC © 2012 WCC)
Document Statement to COP18 / UN Climate Change Conference Doha
On 7 December at the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), while no agreement has been reached, the World Council of Churches (WCC) delivered a statement to the High-Level Ministerial Segment of COP 18 in Doha, Qatar. The WCC statement delivered to the plenary stressed that “Climate change is happening! It is imperative to act now without more delays in view of the serious and potentially irreversible impacts of climate change.” The statement was read by Metropolitan Seraphim of Zimbabwe, from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa.
Document Indigenous theologians' reflections on the WCC 10th Assembly theme
Reflections of theologians representing the Ao and Chang Naga, Aymara, Igorot, Maori, Maya, Mizo, Quecha, Santal, and Turtle Island, who met at Yu-Shan Theological College and Seminary, Hualien, Taiwan from 17-29 September 2012.
Document Prayers related to SDG7 Sustainable Energy
1 September to 4 October is Time for Creation. As 2012 was the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All, the WCC collected some thematic prayers on this theme.
Document WCC general secretary's message for Rio+20
WCC general secretary's message to the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development and Peoples’ Summit
Document Theological Perspectives on Diakonia in 21st Century
From the Conference jointly organized by Justice and Diakonia, Just and Inclusive Communities, and Mission and Evangelism programmes of the World Council of Churches in Colombo, Sri Lanka, June 2-6, 2012
Document Pentecost message 2012
Message of the presidents of the World Council of Churches at Pentecost 2012
Document Statement to COP17 / UN Climate Change Conference Durban
Since COP1, year after year, the World Council of Churches have spoken on behalf of hundreds of churches, church based organisations, ecumenical movements, and faith based movements throughout the world, that work daily with communities whose lives and livelihoods are severely affected by climate change.
Document Statement ahead of COP17 in Durban 2011
Ahead of the UN Conference on Climate Change in Durban, South Africa, 28 November - 10 December 2011 (UNFCCC COP17), the WCC general secretary, the Rev Dr Olav Fykse-Tveit, reiterates the WCC call for climate justice.
Document 200th anniversary of the University of Oslo
The Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, spoke at the University of Oslo in the context of a series of presentations on justice, peace and the role of religion in global perspective marking the university's 200th anniversary.
Document Call for action by Geneva Interfaith Forum on Climate Change, Environment and Human Rights
The Geneva Interfaith Forum on Climate Change, Environment and Human Rights is an informal group of faith-based NGOs that gathered to reaffirm the responsibility of each faith and spiritual tradition to care for the environment and play a role in addressing climate change and its impact on the human rights of the world's population.
Document One church, one climate, one love
Brief report from the meeting of the WCC's Working Group on Care for Creation and Climate Justice Kingston, Jamaica, 15-17 May 2011
Document Danube Wave of Peace
Sermon by Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, WCC general scretary, at the closing celebration of the Danube Wave of Peace in Ulm, Germany.
Document Climate Justice and Human Rights
Presentation on Climate Justice and Human Rights by Theodor Rathgeber at the meeting of the WCC Working Group on Climate Change held immediately before the IEPC in Kingston.
Document NGO letter to Human Rights Council members
Letter by non-governmental organizations concerned with the HRC's Action on Climate Change
Document Statement on the Right to Water and Sanitation
The WCC Central Committee, meeting in Geneva 16-22 February 2011, approved this Statement on water as a human right.
Document How to Defend Child Rights Affected by Climate Change
This education pack is a teacher’s and/or (peer) facilitator’s guide for in-school and extracurricular exploration and action activities in industrialized countries on the issue of climate change and its impact on child rights.
Document Why are the churches at the UN Conference on Climate Change in Cancun?
Document Statement to COP16 / UN Climate Conference Cancun
Statement from the World Council of Churches to the High-Level Ministerial Segment of the 16th Session of the Conference of the Parties - COP16 to the UNFCCC 6th Session of the Meeting of the Parties - CMP6 to the Kyoto Protocol Cancun - Mexico Friday, 10 December 2010
Document Inter-religious celebration COP16
Members of the WCC delegation attending the UN Conference on Climate Change (COP 16) in Cancun, together with other delegates and members of local parishes, participated at an inter-religious celebration organized by Caritas Mexico and the WCC. The event was held on Saturday 4 December 2010 at the Church of the Risen Christ in Cancun and took as its motto «United in prayer: United for the creation that needs us».
Document European Youth Hearing on Poverty, Wealth and Ecology
In response to the call to raise the voice of young people on climate justice, the young delegates of a WCC-CEC consultation on Poverty, Wealth and Ecology, representing young Christians in Europe through the Ecumenical Youth Council in Europe, World Student Christian Federation Europe Region and SYNDESMOS, the World Fellowship of Orthodox Youth, presented the following contribution to be taken into account in the process of the global ecumenical AGAPE consultation.
Document AGAPE Consultation: Budapest Call for Climate Justice
A consultation on Poverty, Wealth and Ecology in Europe organized by the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the World Council of Churches (WCC) in cooperation with churches in Hungary ended on Friday 12 November 2010 by adopting a "Budapest Call for Climate Justice".
Document Sources and Resources of Indigenous Theologies
Report of the Indigenous Theologians meeting in Geneva, October 2009
Document NGO Declaration on Climate Change & Human Rights
Recommendations to the 3rd United Nations Human Rights Council's Social Forum by an international alliance of nongovernmental organizations
Document Time for Creation prayer service
This material was compiled by members of the Ecumenical Centre worship committee as an inspiration for congregations celebrating Time for Creation.
Document "The spring of Living Water"
Meditation By the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) At the Uniting General Council of the World Communion of Reformed Churches, Calvin College, Grand Rapids Morning Worship Monday, 21 June, 2010
Document UNAW Report 2009 Annex III: Prayer Resources
United Nations Advocacy Week Opening Prayer, Monday Morning Prayer: Climate Displaced Peoples, Tuesday Morning Prayer: Indigenous Peoples Rights, Wednesday Morning Prayer: Colombia, Thursday Morning Prayer, Closing Prayer
Document UNAW Report 2009 Annex II: Speaker Presentations, Section B
Climate Displaced Peoples Session, Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Session, Colombia Session, Closing Keynote: theologian and activist
Document UNAW Report 2009 Annex II: Speaker Presentations, Section A
Keynote II: Charge and Challenge to the Churches the Churches; Thematic Priority I: Climate Displaced Peoples.
Document Report: Churches Together to Transform the World
The CCIA convened its 5th United Nations Advocacy Week (UNAW) on 15-20 November 2009 in New York City.
Document Sharing food - Sermon at the Ecumenical Centre morning prayers
Sermon by Dr Rogate R. Mshana at the Monday morning prayer service at the Ecumenical Centre, 3 May 2010 Based on Mathew 14:13-14
Document Ecumenical declaration at World People's Conference on Climate Change
This declaration, entitled "Listening to the cries of Mother Earth, was presented on Earth Day, 22 April 2010, at the World People's Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth in Cochabamba, Bolivia, by a coalition of ecumenical organizations including the WCC.
Document Launch of the ACT Alliance
WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit held the sermon at the prayer service at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, Switzerland.
Document Minute on UNFCCC Conference of Parties - COP 15 in Copenhagen
This minute on the UNFCCC Conference of Parties - COP 15 in Copenhagen has been adopted by the WCC's Executive committee during its meeting in Bossey, Switzerland, 23-26 February 2010.
Document The Ecumenical Movement of the Cross
Sermon for the service of installation of Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit as general secretary of the World Council of Churches. Chapel of the Ecumenical Centre, Geneva, Tuesday 23 February 2010
Document Statement to COP15 / UN Climate Conference Copenhagen
Statement from the World Council of Churches (WCC) to the High-Level Ministerial Segment of the 15th Session of the Conference of the Parties - COP15 - to the UNFCCC and the 5th Session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol - CMP5 Delivered on behalf of the World Council of Churches and its Ecumenical Partners
Document Message to UNFCCC COP 15 negotiators
Leaders of churches and international church organizations present in Copenhagen for the UN Climate Change Conference reiterate the Gospel message «Do not be afraid!»
Document Bellringing liturgy by NCC Denmark
This material was compiled by members of The National Council of Churches in Denmark Climate Change Working Group as an inspiration for congregations taking part in the international bellringing for climate justice on 13 December 2009.
Document Keynote address at lobby dinner in Copenhagen
Keynote address by Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches. Delivered 13 Dec. 2009 at a Lobby Dinner in Copenhagen hosted by the WCC, Dan Church Aid and APRODEV. Invited guests included UN negotiators, government and church officials.
Document Prayer service for climate justice
This material was compiled by members of the Ecumenical Centre worship committee as an inspiration for congregations taking part in the international bellringing for climate justice on 13 December 2009.
Document Christmas Message 2009
From the World Council of Churches general secretary
Document Asia-Pacific Women's Hearing on Poverty, Wealth and Ecology
Statement from the Asia-Pacific Women's Hearing on Poverty, Wealth and Ecology in Chiang Mai, Thailand, 02-03 November 2009.
Document Religious Traditions Call To Climate Action
"Our religions stand united in their call to care for the Earth and her peoples," representatives of faith communities around the world have said in a statement calling on world leaders attending the 22 September 2009 United Nations Summit on Climate Change " all people of Earth to accept the reality of the common danger we face, the imperative and responsibility for immediate and decisive action and the opportunity to change."
Document To the members of the Greenland Dialogue
Letter to the members of the Greenland Dialogue by WCC general secretary Kobia.
Document Diakonia & Development and Justice, Peace & Creation
Membership of Commissions-Diakonia & Development and Justice, Peace & Creation
Document WCC Working Group on Climate Change meeting
Twenty five participants from various regions of the world gathered in the Protestant Academy of Bad Boll, Germany, at the WCC Working Group meeting on climate change to strategize together towards and beyond Copenhagen.
Document Pacific church leaders' statement
The challenge of resettlement because of Climate Change was the focus of the Oikoumene Pasifika 2009, which took place in Nadi, Fiji in April 2009. Oikoumene Pasifika bring church leaders from the Pacific Conference of Churches to reflect together on crucial topics affecting the region. WCC staff contributed to this meeting with presentations on Ecumenism and climate change. Church leaders adopted the Moana declaration on "Our Oikos - a new consciousness on climate change and our call to action".
Document UNAW Report 2008 Annex IV: Prayer resources
Climate change Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA) Human rights Migration Public witness: addressing power, affirming peace United Nations
Document UNAW Report 2008 Annex III
United Nations Advocacy Week 2008 speaker presentations: Migration, WCC UN reception address: Nicaraguan ambassador H.E. Maria Rubiales de Chamorro, UNAW closing high-level address: Assistant Secretary-General Dr Robert Or
Document UNAW Report 2008 Annex II
United Nations Advocacy Week 2008 speaker presentations: Our Common Strategic Global Ecumenical Advocacy, Public Witness Advocacy, Human Rights, Climate Change
Document UNAW 2008 Report
The United Nations Advocacy Week 2008 Report is a reminder of what was discussed and experienced at the UNAW and one of the key instruments to be used in local and global advocacy work.
Document Climate Change: Take Action Now!
A guide published by the Alliance of Youth CEOs and UNICEF together with UN and NGO partners to support local actions of children and young people, with special emphasis on girls and young women and guidance on child participation.
Document Statement to COP14 / UN Climate Conference Poznań
Statement from the World Council of Churches (WCC) to the High-Level Ministerial Segment of the 14th Session of the Conference of the Parties - COP14 to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Document Statement on the Doha Outcome Document
Radical changes and tangible commitments from world leaders are needed if an equitable and sustainable global economic system is to be built, says an ecumenical delegation attending a UN conference on financing for development 29 November-02 December 2008.
Document Message to the LWF Council meeting in Tanzania
Document Minute on global warming and climate change
Document UNAW 2007 Report
For the United Nations Advocacy Week 2007, the WCC chose to emphasize four themes, a primary focus on the Greater Horn of Africa; water, nuclear disarmament and the Middle East, with an emphasis on Palestine and Israel.
Document Statement to COP13 / UN Climate Conference Bali
Statement from the World Council of Churches (WCC) to the High-Level Ministerial Segment of the 13th Session of the Conference of the Parties - COP13 to the UNFCCC 3rd Session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol - CMP3
Document Letter to the President of Brazil, Lui­s Inacio Lula da Silva
Letter of appeal to the President of Brazil, Lui­s Inacio Lula da Silva, inspired by his message to the 9th Assembly of the WCC, held in Porto Alegre, Brazil, 14-23 February 2006, which strongly affirmed the role of the WCC and the need to continue together our journey in the path of social justice and the quest for human dignity.
Document Statement on the 10th anniversary of the Kyoto Protocol
10 years after the Kyoto Protocol, the executive committee of the World Council of Churches, meeting in Etchmiadzin, Armenia, 25-28 September 2007, affirms the basic thrust of the UNFCCC to provide an instrument for a significant reduction of greenhouse gases in order to mitigate human-induced climate change.
Document Letter to the Pacific Conference of Churches' Assembly
Document Religious leaders conference, Cologne
Speech on "Enhancing Life in Dignity for the Poor" by Rev. Samuel Kobia
Document Statement of the Conference "Churches for Water in Africa"
Document Climate justice for all
Document Environmental Justice for All
Document Joint Report of the Programme and Policy Reference Committees (adopted)
Document Just Trade
Document 5. Statement on water for life
Document Introduction
Document Changing ecclesial and ecumenical context (Ecumenical conversations)
"Changing ecclesial and ecumenical context" : The WCC's Common Understanding and Vision process offers a coherent and challenging vision: a broad fellowship of churches, committed and accountable to one another, seeking visible unity in their life and witness today.
Document Water of Life - An invitation to participate the Ecumenical Water Network
This brochure is produced by the Justice, Peace, Creation Team of the World Council of Churches to highlight the work on water concerns by many of the WCC member churches and ecumenical partners who have formed together the Ecumenical Water Network.
Document Participating in God's Mission of Reconciliation - A Resource for Churches in Situations of Conflict
This text (Faith and Order Paper no. 201) results from the study on Ethnic Identity, National Identity, and the Search for the Unity of the Church done by Faith and Order with the collaboration of the WCC's Justice, Peace and Creation team. It offers resources for churches in situations of tension or conflict, especially where ethnic and national tensions are major factors, and suggests how Christian unity can further the churches' witness for reconciliation and justice.
Document Statement to COP 11 and COP/MOP 1
Document Montreal UN Climate Change Conference
Document On the coming into force of the Kyoto Protocol
Document A Spiritual Declaration on Climate Change
Document Ecumenical Water Network - Africa
Water for Life
Document United Nations World Summit
Document On climate change
Document Affirming human dignity, rights of peoples and the integrity of creation - Rwanda, 2004
As part of the WCC's work on the Decade , this theological consultation, organized by WCC Faith and Order in Kigali, Rwanda (4-9 December 2004), was an attempt to discern what human dignity, rights of peoples and the integrity of creation mean for churches and the ecumenical movement as they attempt to counter the reality of massive abuse and destruction of life and its legitimization in the world today. It was also an attempt to do theology informed by the perspectives and experiences of the victims of violence.
Document Pastoral Letter to the G8
Document PLEN 14 May - Kiribati
The presentation by the Rev. Dr Pepine Iosua focuses on how people in Kiribati understand and struggle with the impacts of climate change, especially "sea rise", on the pacific understanding of the creation understanding, and what the reconciling and healing mission of God to these people and to the world at large is.
Document Water as a human right and a public good
Declaration by the Protestant and Roman Catholic churches of Brazil and Switzerland
Document PLEN 1.1 Otin Taai(1) Declaration. The Pacific Churches' Consultation on Climate Change" (March 2004)
Document Prayer related to SDG13 Climate Action
On February 16, 2005, the Kyoto Protocol came into effect as international law. On that occasion, Pacific Church leaders led worship at the WCC Central Committee meeting including use of the following prayer (excerpts).
Document Cooperation in the Field of Diakonia and Development
Document Climate Change
The Climate Change Programme of the World Council of Churches is coordinated by Dr. David Hallman (Canada). This booklet is a collection of some of his recent contributions and other key texts that were developed by the WCC Working Group on Climate Change under his leadership. We want to express our sincere gratitude to David for his extraordinary skills, the energy and time he has dedicated to this programme. We also add a statement on Climte Change by HAH the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I.
Document Water: preservation, responsible management, equitable distribution
Dr Rogate R. Mshana, WCC programme executive for JPC/Economic Justice, presents an ecumenical perspective
Document Moving beyond Kyoto
Document Declaration from Woudschoten
Document UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD12)
Document Water as a Gift and Right
Document Otin Tai declaration
Document Ecumenical Pacific youth - climate change
Document World Climate Change Conference
Document Letter to H.E. Kofi Annan
Document Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol
Document Report of the Programme Committee
First Report of the Programme Committee presented before the WCC Central Committee, 2003
Document Waters of life - enough for all!
Document WCC Report on the 11th Session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD-11)
Document 8th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP8)
Document A call to action in solidarity with those most affected by climate change
Document Report on the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD)
Document Water for life - streams of justice
Document Minute on the renegotiation of the Compacts of Free Association between the U.S.A. and the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands
Adopted by the Central Committee, Geneva, 26 August - 3 September 2002.
Document Solidarity with Victims of Climate Change
Document Diakonia
The following article by Teresa Joan White is the entry on diakonia from the revised edition of the Dictionary of the Ecumenical Movement published jointly by the World Council of Churches and the Wm. Eerdmans in 2002.
Document Globalization and climate change
Document World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, Durban, South Africa, 26 August - 7 September 2001
Concluding statement issued by the World Council of Churches delegation
Document Report of Policy Reference Committee II
Second report by the Policy Reference Committee at the WCC Central Committee meeting in Potsdam, 2001.
Document The atmosphere as global commons responsible caring and equitable sharing
A Justice Statement regarding Climate Change from The World Council of Churches (WCC) Prepared in anticipation of the 6th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP6) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in The Hague, Netherlands, November 2000
Document Search for better tomorrow
Document Motorised Mobility, Climate Change and Globalisation
Document Message on the occasion of Earth Day
Document Prospects of Sustainable Mobility
The following study paper has been drawn up by an international group of experts meeting at Bad Boll near Stuttgart, Germany, from March 23th to 27th 1997. The consultation was organized as a joint initiative of the World Council of Churches and the Evangelical Academy Bad Boll near Stuttgart, Germany.
Document Costly Unity
This text is the fruit of the joint study programme on Ecclesiology and Ethics conducted by Faith and Order and the WCC's Justice, Peace and Creation team. The results of meetings in Rønde, Denmark; Jerusalem, Israel; and Johannesburg, South Africa, they explore how the churches are called to be a community of ethical reflection - and engagement - in today's world.
Document Costly Obedience
This text is the fruit of the joint study programme on Ecclesiology and Ethics conducted by Faith and Order and the WCC's Justice, Peace and Creation team. The results of meetings in Rønde, Denmark; Jerusalem, Israel; and Johannesburg, South Africa, they explore how the churches are called to be a community of ethical reflection - and engagement - in today's world.
Document Costly Commitment
This text is the fruit of the joint study programme on Ecclesiology and Ethics conducted by Faith and Order and the WCC's Justice, Peace and Creation team. The results of meetings in Rønde, Denmark; Jerusalem, Israel; and Johannesburg, South Africa, they explore how the churches are called to be a community of ethical reflection - and engagement - in today's world.
Document Report of the Unit IV Committee to Central Committee
The Unit IV Committee recognizes that diakonia, martyria and koinonia are essential elements of the central mission of the church. Koinonia without diakonia is dead. Sharing and service as practical actions are at the heart of our fellowship and are a source of our unity.
Document Guidelines for Sharing
"Guidelines for sharing", in Sharing for Life, the report of the El Escorial consultation. 1987
Document Larnaca Declaration
Poor and oppressed people, who are at the margins of the world's concern, should be at the centre of Christian service, insisted the 300 participants in the 1986 global ecumenical consultation on interchurch aid in Larnaca, Cyprus. Diakonia, they said, is "liberating and transforming, suffering and empowering". Christian service cannot be separated from the struggle for justice and peace; therefore, advocacy, solidarity and sharing of skills are as essential to diakonia as the giving of money.
Document Study II: Creation
The study guide My Neighbour's Faith and Mine: Theological discoveries through interfaith dialogue, was published by the WCC in 1986. Since then it has been translated into numerous languages and used widely.
Document Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry (Faith and Order Paper no. 111, the "Lima Text")
This famous text, adopted by Faith and Order at its plenary commission meeting in Lima, Peru in 1982, explores the growing agreement - and remaining differences - in fundamental areas of the churches' faith and life. The most widely-distributed and studied ecumenical document, BEM has been a basis for many "mutual recognition" agreements among churches and remains a reference today.
Document Midday prayers of peace and justice for creation
This material was compiled by members of the Ecumenical Centre worship committee as an inspiration for congregations celebrating Time for Creation.
Document Climate Change - Children’s challenge
The cost of inaction will place a great economic burden on future generations. Children will bear the higher costs of not taking action today. Published by UNICEF.