WCC NEWS: Lament and hope will be expressed during Day of Prayer and Fasting for the healing of India

The World Council of Churches (WCC) will express its solidarity in lament, hope and courage with churches of India during a Day of Praying and Fasting for the healing of India on 7 May as COVID-19 continues to surge across South Asian countries.  Sister Ivy Athipozhiyil from India at the Ecumenical Institute Bossey, 2009. Photo: Peter Williams/WCC 05 May 2021 The special day is being organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, National Council of Churches in India, and Evangelical Fellowship of India, which together represent 27.8 million Christians in the nation. In a pastoral letter to the churches of India, the WCC and Christian Conference of Asia assured: “We stand with you in solidarity and prayer in the midst of the suffering and loss of thousands of lives in India.” In a message to the WCC, Church of South India general secretary C. Fernandas Rathina Raja said that the day is “genuinely a prompt and proper prospect of prayer which will definitely make a motion towards constant and empathetic mission accompaniment.” The Church of South India also shared messages of prayer, part of which read: “Pray for frontline workers, such as doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers who are taking much risk for serving the infected people.” The WCC is also offering resources to help people pray, including the publication “Voices of Lament, Hope, and Courage,” designed for use in prayer groups, congregational services, personal prayer, and in the pastoral accompaniment of those directly affected in different ways by the pandemic. As faith is challenged by mourning, fear and uncertainty in India, the WCC is also offering other health-promoting resources, such as a handbook for churches, a COVID-19 response framework, and accurate information about vaccines.  The Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action, an ACT Alliance member, has been offering an emergency response, and reported that there is an impending need to focus on prevention measures to ensure that the communities which are at risk of COVID-19 get well-educated about appropriate behaviour to reduce their risk. The Christian Coalition for Health, in a 4 May webinar for the Christian Medical Association of India, Catholic Health Association of India and the Emmanuel Hospital Association, suggested practical ways that church leaders, medical professionals and volunteers can help on the ground. India’s total number of COVID-19 cases has dramatically risen to over 18 million, with more than 300,000 cases reported for seven straight days and with no immediate signs of slowing down. Medical experts believe that the numbers are even higher with many cases not reported from rural areas. ACT Alliance has initiated an emergency response. WCC, Christian Conference of Asia grieve and pray with churches in India as COVID-19 surges (WCC press release, 5 May 2021) WCC answers your questions about vaccines (WCC interview, 24 April 2021) WCC shares “Voices of Lament, Hope and Courage” for churches worldwide (WCC press release, 19 March 2021) Other health-related resources: Voices of Lament, Hope, and Courage: A Week of Prayer in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic. A resource for use in prayer groups, congregational services, personal prayer, and in the pastoral accompaniment of those directly affected in different ways by the pandemic. “Health-Promoting Churches: Reflections on Health and Healing for Churches on Commemorative World Health Days.” This booklet includes 15 reflections on international commemorative health days to stimulate conversations on health matters in Church congregations. “Health and Hope: The Church in Mission and Unity." A collection of previously published articles, these were chosen to resonate with the worldwide struggle amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Ecumenical Global Health COVID-19 Response Framework. Published during 2020, this framework identifies core challenges and response strategies for a global ecumenical response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and also recommends specific actions. WCC Vaccine Champions and COVID-19 resources 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 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. 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

WCC NEWS: WCC, Christian Conference of Asia grieve and pray with churches in India as COVID-19 surges

In a pastoral letter, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Christian Conference of Asia expressed their concern, grief, and prayerful solidarity with the churches in India as COVID-19 surges in South Asian countries. Traditional brass oil lamp in the chapel of the Ecumenical centre presented by the churches in India is lit as a sign of God's light. Photo: Nikos Kosmidis/WCC 05 May 2021 “We stand with you in solidarity and prayer in the midst of the suffering and loss of thousands of lives in India,” reads the letter. “We grieve with you before God, for the loss of so many family members, friends, pastors, teachers and healthcare workers who have been taken by this pandemic.” The letter also expresses grief for the pain of those who are sick and suffering. “It is our hope and prayer that during this period of crisis, God Almighty will continue to accompany you, as you uphold each other in the struggle for healing and recovery,” reads the letter. “We particularly lift up and pray for the healthcare personnel, hospitals, clinics and community health initiatives of the churches which are being overwhelmed and stretched to their limits, serving and caring for the flood of sick and suffering people.” The WCC and the Christian Conference of Asia will join churches in India in observing 7 May as a Day of Praying and Fasting for the healing of India, called for by three church bodies in India: the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, National Council of Churches in India, and Evangelical Fellowship of India. “We are also encouraging the members of the global ecumenical fellowship—individuals, communities and institutions—to mobilise resources and to extend support for the work of the churches in India in accompanying and healing the coronavirus-affected people and communities,” reads the letter. “In a situation like this, where we all live amidst fear, anxiety, and uncertainty, may our faith and spiritual values sustain us to live with hope in God’s abundant mercies, love, care and protection.” Read the full text of the joint pastoral letter of the WCC and CCA Christian Conference of Asia WCC member churches in India 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 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. 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

WCC NEWS: Historic global prayer reflects powerful hope and courage, even amid world’s suffering

A global prayer service, hosted by the World Council of Churches (WCC) on 26 March, brought forth voices of hope and courage in a world still gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic. 2019 Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 26 March 2021 The service was part of a Week of Prayer in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic, offered by the WCC after its member churches and regional partners voiced their need to express feelings of sadness, hope and unity brought on by one year of COVID-19. Gathering online for prayers, music and reflections, people from across the globe shared prayers of lament, as well as prayers for suffering and hurting communities, leaders, healing, protection, and hope. In an opening greeting, WCC acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca said that the WCC and its member churches have recommitted themselves to active compassion across what separates them. “The COVID-19 pandemic has reached all the regions of our planet,” he said. “It has made manifest the danger of the ceaseless commodification of creation; it has revealed our unexpected vulnerability and interdependence.” The virus has brought fear and panic, pain and suffering, doubt and misinformation, he said.  “Yet, as a global community of faith, we affirm that, even amid our vulnerability, we trust in God as God is our hope. We are called to give account of our living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” From Nairobi, Kenya, WCC moderator Dr Agnes Abuom brought Lenten greetings to an historic moment of global prayer, expressing gratitude to those who made the special week possible and to churches around the world who continue to offer prayers as they walk and work together in addressing the impact of COVID-19. “I bet we all can share story after story on both the negative consequences and potentials ranging from economic decline, increased domestic violence, children having to stay at home from school to loss of lives in communities,” she said. “May the God of life, justice and peace continue to protect, sustain and accompany His people and the whole creation.” Regional voices ring out Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland-Tune, chief operating officer, National Council of Churches (USA), prayed: “We affirm  and recognize that you our God have been and continue to be present with us throughout this COVID-19 pandemic. In our lament, Oh God, may we not lose hope but even in the darkest night may we still be able to sing unto you a new song.” Peter Noteboom, general secretary, The Canadian Council of Churches, prayed: “Oh Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger. Turn, oh Lord, save my life. I am weary with my moaning…my eyes waste away because of grief.” Christian Conference of Asia general secretary Dr Mathews George Chunakara prayed: “We place our hope in you: our rock, our salvation, our refuge. May we pour out our hearts in this time of prayer, trusting in your steadfast love. May the source of our inspiration be Christ Jesus.” Rev. Grace Moon, from the Presbyterian Church of Korea, prayed for local church congregations around the world: “We pray that the spirit of unity and will bring healing and resilience. Grant them courage and hope.” Dr Jørgen Skov Sørensen, general secretary of the Conference of European Churches, prayed for leaders: “Give to leaders your divine wisdom. Broaden the vision of all leaders so that they will see beyond the parochial borders. May they not grow weary in doing good, in serving all with a sense of joy and purpose.” Rev. Dr Lydia Mwaniki, director for Women, Gender and Youth at the All Africa Conference of Churches, gave thanks to God “for hands that have ministered your healing touch to our bodies, for lips that have uttered comforting words, feet that have carried us when we are too weak to bear our own weight. We have known you to be the God who heals. Help us to once again believe that, in this season, and at this time you will grant your children healing.” Collins Kudakwashe Shava, executive secretary for Youth of the All Africa Conference of Churches, prayed for families, children and youth: “We also pray for families caring for the sick at home and in communities. Uphold them and help our communities to accompany them.” Rev. Dr James Bhagwan, Pacific Conference of Churches general secretary, prayed for protection: “Shield them and all of us from the raging waters of the pandemic,” he prayed. “Bring a swift end to the virus and the suffering it causes. Turn, oh God, and deliver us.” Dr Michel Abs, secretary general of the Middle East Council of Churches, prayed for peace and hope. “Bring peace and hope to the hearts of all people,” he prayed. “Loving God, we give thanks for the hope you have given us.” Link to the week of prayer Link to video of the prayer 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 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. 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

WCC NEWS: Let us pray together in the time of COVID-19

We pray in lament. We pray for our communities. We pray for our leaders. For protection. For healing. The World Council of Churches (WCC) will convene a global online prayer service on 26 March at 2 pm (CET) as part of “A Week of Prayer in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC; Mike DuBose/UM News 19 March 2021 The World Council of Churches (WCC) will convene a global online prayer service on 26 March at 2 pm (CET) as part of “A Week of Prayer in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic.” One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, answering the request of its member churches and regional partners, the WCC is convening this time of prayer and reflection, of meeting and commemorating. “We will come believing that God hears and answers prayers,” said WCC acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca. “We will come with thanksgiving, keeping hope alive.” The global prayer, drawing on voices from diverse regions and communities, will touch upon the six facets of the week of prayer: lament, hurting and suffering communities, leaders, healing, protection, and hope. “We will bring a sense of lament—yet we express and experience hope,” said Sauca. “During what has been a year of unprecedented suffering, there also has been an extraordinary drawing together of churches in new ways to adapt, respond and accompany communities through mental, physical, economical, spiritual, and environmental crises.” Throughout the week, WCC member churches and ecumenical partners are sharing prayers and spiritual resources produced in response to the pandemic. A Week of Prayer in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic Follow the live prayer Publication: Voices of Lament, Hope, and Courage   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 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. 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

WCC NEWS: WCC invites prayer contributions for week commemorating one year of COVID-19

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is inviting the global fellowship to share online prayers, tweets, photos and other forms of social media under the hashtag #COVID19prayers for an upcoming special week of prayer from 22-27 March. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 16 March 2021 The week of prayer will mark the one-year anniversary since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. The WCC will be sharing inspiring images and reflections that draw people together to express grief, healing and a sense of hope. The ecumenical family will also gather for a live-streamed global prayer service of grief on 26 March. Reflections, stories and videos from WCC member churches, as well as regional and global partners, will be highlighted, and youth will also have a special role in sharing reflections via the WCC blog and through other means. “We have seen the critical role churches have played and continue to play in all the areas of the human condition affected by COVID-19: mental, physical, economical, spiritual, and environmental,” said Rev.Dr Odair Pedroso Mateus, interim WCC deputy General Secretary. “With this week of prayer, we hope to help share the stories that allow us to grieve and keep us inspired to continue to act with solidarity and impact.” More information and resources for the Week of Prayer Download social media cards you may use to illustrate your prayers. 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 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. 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