wfn.org | WCC AGENDA: December 2004

["WCC Media" <Media@wcc-coe.org>]

World Council of Churches - Agenda
Contact: + 41 22 791 6153 +41 79 507 6363 media@wcc-coe.org
For immediate release - 23/11/2004

DECEMBER 2004 

> Where is the ecumenical movement going in the 21st century?
> Observing World AIDS Day
> Theological consultation to affirm human dignity, rights of peoples and the
integrity of creation
> High-level visit from the Roman Catholic Church 
> Ecumenical formation seminar
> Churches to review prospects for the struggle against HIV/Aids in Russia
> Consultation on spiritual accompaniment of political processes
> Advance notice of major WCC events in 2005

>>> Where is the ecumenical movement going in the 21st century?
30 November-3 December, Geneva, Switzerland

The WCC will join international ecumenical organizations, national councils
of churches, specialized ministries and ecumenical communities around the
world to discuss the direction of the ecumenical movement in the 21st
century. Some 80 participants, about half of them coming from WCC member
churches, will share visions of ecumenism from their own contexts, seeking
more effective ways for the churches to work together in today's changing
context of global Christianity. The conference will produce a vision
statement outlining conclusions and recommendations for future cooperation
among churches and organizations within the ecumenical movement. 

More information on these discussions is available at:
www.wcc-coe.org > press corner > new configuration of the ecumenical movement

>>> Observing World AIDS Day
1 December, Geneva, Switzerland

Thirteen non-governmental organisations including the World Council of
Churches (WCC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies (IFRC), and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)
are observing this year's World AIDS Day under the theme "Women's voices,
vulnerabilities and victories in the face of HIV/AIDS". Starting with an
ecumenical prayer in the Ecumenical Centre chapel, the programme will include
dance and vocal performances as well as speeches by women living with HIV and
others affected by HIV/AIDS. A reception and exhibition of work by the
organizations will conclude the event.

For further information please contact:
ehaia@wcc-coe.org 

>>> Theological consultation to affirm human dignity, rights of peoples and
the integrity of creation
4-10 December, Kigali, Rwanda

A theological consultation, organised by the World Council of Churches' Faith
and Order Commission in the framework of the Decade to Overcome Violence,
will explore various components of human dignity, rights of peoples and the
integrity of creation in order to discern what these might mean for churches
participating in the Decade to Overcome Violence. Upholding the sanctity of
life and the created order is proposed as a decisive way in which churches
can counter the reality and legitimisation of massive abuse and destruction
of life in the world today. 
This consultation will bring together a group of 25 theologians, human rights
activists and social scientists from many parts of the world. It is expected
to produce an aide-mimoire that can serve as guidelines for those who wish to
continue work on this issue during the Decade.

>>> High-level visit from the Roman Catholic Church 
6 December, Geneva, Switzerland

His Eminence Cardinal Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for
Justice and Peace, will visit the World Council of Churches on December 6,
2004 at the invitation of the WCC general secretary, Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia.

>>> Ecumenical formation seminar
6-9 December, Bossey and Geneva, Switzerland

The WCC Round Table ecumenical formation seminar is an opportunity for staff
of specialised ministries and agencies that form the WCC Round Table to
develop a better understanding of the ecumenical movement through interaction
with other partners and WCC staff. It will enable them to reflect together on
matters of professional concern and build good working relationships.
The first two days at the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey will include
sessions on ecumenism and the ecumenical movement and the role of religion in
development. The second half of the seminar will include an introduction to
the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva and to the work of WCC; participants will
meet with staff working in areas relevant to their concerns. 

Information about WCC work on ecumenical formation is available at:
http://wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/education/index-e.html 

>>> Churches to review prospects for the struggle against HIV/Aids in Russia
8-9 December, Moscow, Russia

The World Council of Churches is supporting a two-day international
interreligious conference to review "Prospects for interaction and
cooperation between state, religious and public organizations regarding the
problem of HIV/AIDS in Russia". The consultation, prepared by the Russian
Orthodox Church, Russia Inland Mission (Baptist Church), a number of other
Christian denominations, and various Russian and international organizations,
will bring together some 150 participants representing state bodies,
different religious faiths and public organizations.
A main objective will be to define the role of the various religious
organizations and churches involved in combating HIV/AIDS, and strengthen
interreligious dialogue and ministry in this field. The conference will also
attempt to strengthen cooperation between Russian partners and international
organizations that are carrying out various programmes on AIDS prevention
worldwide. 

More information on the WCC's work against the HIV/AIDS pandemic is available
at
http://wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/mission/hiv-aids-e.html 

>>> Consultation on spiritual accompaniment of political processes
16-17 December, Geneva, Switzerland

Growing interaction between religion and politics in most cultures today,
both traditional and secular, is the framework for a consultation organised
by the World Council of Churches' Commission of the Churches on International
Affairs (WCC/CCIA). The consultation on "Reclaiming the Spirit: spiritual
accompaniment of political processes" aims to identify ideas and to make
recommendations on how the churches and the CCIA can meet the growing
challenge of spiritual accompaniment. 
Bringing together some 25 key representatives from different traditions and
experiences, the seminar was developed in dialogue between the WCC and the
Focolari movement. While not open to the public, the seminar is linked to a
short public seminar on Thursday, 16 December. 

More information about the WCC/CCIA is available at
http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/international/index-e.html 

>>> Advance notice of major WCC events in 2005

In 2005, the annual focus of the Decade to Overcome Violence will be on Asia.

Orthodox pre-Assembly meeting
10-17 January 2005
Rhodes, Greece

Week of prayer for Christian unity
18-25 January 2005
Worldwide

Ecumenical Participation at the World Social Forum
26-31 January,
Porto Alegre, Brazil

Meeting of the international coalition for the Decade to Overcome Violence
14-15 February 2005
Paris, France

WCC Central Committee meeting
15-22 February 2005
Geneva, Switzerland

Conference on World Mission and Evangelism 
9-16 May 2005
Athens, Greece

International interreligious conference hosted by WCC
6-10 June, 2005
Geneva, Switzerland

International day of prayer for peace
21 September
worldwide

Geneva interreligious conference and youth event
12-14 November 2005
Geneva, Switzerland

WCC 9th Assembly (2006)
14-23 February 2006
Porto Alegre, Brazil

Unless noted otherwise, events are by invitation only and not open to the
press or general public. The information above may change without notice. 

Additional information: Juan Michel,+41 22 791 6153 +41 79 507 6363
media@wcc-coe.org

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The World Council of Churches is a fellowship of churches, now 342, in more
than 120 countries in all continents from virtually all Christian traditions.
The Roman Catholic Church is not a member church but works cooperatively with
the WCC. The highest governing body is the assembly, which meets
approximately every seven years. The WCC was formally inaugurated in 1948 in
Amsterdam, Netherlands. Its staff is headed by general secretary Samuel Kobia
from the Methodist church in Kenya.