WCC news: WCC extends condolences after train collision in Spain

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay extended condolences to churches and communities in Spain in the wake of a collision between two high-speed trains near Córdoba on 18 January, which claimed at least 40 lives and left dozens more injured.  Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 21 January 2026 “As the families of the victims and all people of Spain cope with this tragedy, be assured that you are in our thoughts and prayers,” wrote Pillay. “We pray for your continued strength and for the strength of those offering rescue and relief in so many ways.” Pillay concluded: “Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the victims of this tragic accident, and we pray that in these days of mourning and bereavement you may find strength, comfort, and support in the care of those surrounding you.” Read the full letter 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

Looking into the lectionary - The strategically small church

Matthew 5:1-12 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany February 1, 2026 The world is a little overwhelming right now. I both dread and feel compelled to check my news app repeatedly, afraid that I’ll miss the latest event affecting our world. I feel like I can’t pay attention to it all, dismayed at the pain and suffering in the world I find with every click. Despairing, I hope and pray for the day that all is made right and I can rest in the kingdom of God. We come to Matthew 5:1-12 amid our current trials and are tempted to sigh a breath of relief. The beatitudes tell a beautiful story of the coming redemption of those who have suffered. Matthew’s version of the beatitudes invites us all to rest within their promise, for we are certainly hungering for righteousness, feeling persecuted, and mourning! Good things will come to those who suffer now. We just have to make it through this current hellscape. Hold on and hope for the coming of the perfect kingdom of God. But Matthew doesn’t understand the kingdom of heaven as something we wait for, a place we will ultimately go. Matthew’s understanding of the kingdom is much more urgent. For Matthew, the kingdom is already here. ... Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Thank you to this week's writer, Rae Watson. Want the worship resources for January 25, 2026? You can find them here. Order of worship — February 1, 2026 by Rae Watson A church at the center of crisis speaks: “We refuse to submit to chaos and terror” by Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis Minnesota Presbyterians mobilize after ICE shooting in Minneapolis by Harriet Riley Pittsburgh Presbyterians join interfaith push for immigrant dignity by Kathryn Post A small church chose risk over fear – and came alive by Robert Barrett The Strategically Small Church reviewed by Jo Wiersema IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Grief, choice and resurrection in “Stranger Things” In the “Stranger Things” finale, scars remain, grief lingers, and life goes on. Timothy Wotring explores a hope shaped by choice, community and resurrection faith. The Gospel of Salome What if the Gospels told more of the stories they leave out? Amy Pagliarella's review explores “The Gospel of Salome” by Kaethe Schwehn — a vivid imagining of Jesus’ story through a woman’s eyes. Protecting children from gun violence: Imagining a new world Presbyterian Peace Fellowship helps congregations implement PC(USA) General Assembly action. Lauryn Hill: Faith, fame and a different measure of success Chris Burton explores how Hill’s music wrestles with faith, integrity and fame — and why refusing to “lose your soul” may be her greatest legacy. Your light was made to shine Small churches aren’t inadequate, writes Teri McDowell Ott. When congregations trust their God-given gifts, they rediscover confidence and shine as Christ’s light. The church that gave itself away A tiny church faced COVID with an unexpected choice: save itself or give itself away. What happened next reshaped an entire town — and reached across the globe, writes Robert Barrett.   A daily Lenten devotional Explore how to live faithfully amid division and uncertainty through Matthew’s Gospel.

WCC News: Prayer highlights Christian unity as a necessity, not a luxury

A morning prayer at the Ecumenical Centre on 19 January highlighted the annual observance of the 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. In a reflection, Rev. Archimandrite Garegin Hambardzumyan from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenia, highlighted how the resources for the special week draw on the spiritual and theological heritage of St Nerses the Gracious. Rev. Archimandrite Garegin Hambardzumyan from the Inter-Church Relations Department of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 19 January 2026 For the year 2026, the prayers and reflections for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity were prepared by the Inter-Church Relations Department of the Armenian Apostolic Church, along with their brothers and sisters of the Armenian Catholic and Evangelical Churches.  “Together with our international sisters and brothers from the World Council of Churches and the Vatican, we approached it with humility, aware that what we were offering belonged not to us alone, but to the whole Body of Christ,” said Hambardzumyan. “We are grateful that the prayers, hymns, and reflections born within our tradition are now being received, prayed, and lived by Christians across the world.” The theme for 2026 comes from Saint Paul's Letter to the Ephesians: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling."  Hambardzumyan reflected that these words invite us first to recognition before action.  “Unity, Saint Paul tells us, is not primarily our achievement,” he said. “It is God's gift.” At the same time, Hambardzumyan noted, Saint Paul is deeply realistic. “He knows that unity, though given, can be wounded,” said Hambardzumyan. “Unity does not grow through pressure, haste, or forced agreement. It grows through humility that listens, patience that endures, and love that is willing to carry the weight of difference.” Hambardzumyan noted that this path is beautifully illuminated by St Nerses the Gracious, Shnorhali, whose prayers, hymns, and theological vision shape the materials for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  “For St Nerses, unity did not mean uniformity. He rejected any notion that unity could be achieved by diminishing doctrinal integrity or erasing liturgical and cultural identity. On the contrary, he insisted that each church must be respected in its doctrine, worship, discipline, and historical experience. Differences, he taught, are not obstacles when they are embraced with humility; they become gifts that enrich the Body of Christ rather than fragment it.” Hambardzumyan said the Armenian churches wish to convey to their Christian sisters and brothers worldwide not only theological reflections, but a word of fraternity and encouragement. “Our history has taught us what it means to suffer and to struggle for survival. It has also taught us the strength that comes from solidarity, faithfulness, and shared prayer,” he said. “In a world marked by war, injustice, and deep polarization, Christian unity is not a luxury. It is a necessity for credible witness to the Gospel.” In conclusion, Hambardzumyan noted that Saint Paul urges us to "make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”—a demanding call. “It requires perseverance, humility, and trust that the Holy Spirit is at work even when progress feels slow or fragile,” he said. “As we pray together during this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, may we renew our commitment to this path. May we resist discouragement and impatience. May we learn again how to listen deeply, how to wait faithfully, and how to love generously.” Resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity are jointly published annually by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and the World Council of Churches. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 invites Christians to one hope, one calling (WCC news release, 14 January 2026) Learn more about the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 Reading plan on the Youversion Bible app Social media cards and photos Photos from the Prayer service at the Ecumenical Centre 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: Service of Thanksgiving will mark 80th Anniversary of the UN inaugural meeting

On 17 January, a special service will commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the UN inaugural meeting. Under the theme “Building Our Future Together,” those gathered in-person and via livestream will remember 10 January 1946, when representatives from across a war-torn world walked into Methodist Central Hall in Westminster and took their seats for the first meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.  Photo: Gloria Charles/WCC 16 January 2026 “It was not a grand moment for the sake of spectacle,” note the organizers of the service, which will be held in the very same hall at 11 am London time. “It was an act of responsibility — the first attempt to build a framework for cooperation strong enough to prevent the return of global conflict.” The service will show how, 80 years later, that moment still matters. “This service of thanksgiving will mark that beginning,” note the organizers. “It will honour the people who believed dialogue was stronger than division, and diplomacy stronger than vengeance.” Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh will attend the service, taking part in an act of remembrance with local schoolchildren, honouring those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of peace. UN secretary general António Guterres, will also be taking part in the service alongside representatives of the UK government. The service will bring together government ministers, diplomats, civic leaders, faith representatives, students, and members of the public to reflect on what began in this building: the idea that nations could work together with purpose, accountability, and patience. “This anniversary is a reminder: peace is never guaranteed — but it is always worth the work,” note the organizers.  More information about this event 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