DOV reference group meeting
WCC 9th Assembly plenary on overcoming violence
The task of the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) reference group is to guide work on the Decade over the period between now and 2010. Meeting in Geneva in December, the group islooking at preparations for an event that will culminate the Decade in 2011 - an International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) - as well as at plans for the Decade's focus on Europe in 2007.
Moderated by Mennonite Church in Germany pastor and WCC central committee member Rev. Dr Fernando Enns, the 10 members of the group represent WCC member churches in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and North America.
At this stage in the planning process, the group will consider the IEPC's format and character, a preliminary consultative process, and possible venue, dates and cultural events. Coordinator, Rev. Dr Geiko Mueller-Fahrenholz thinks the IEPC should be an "invitation and encouragement" as much as a concluding event, and should "show that churches are concerned and committed to demonstrating alternatives".
The motto for the DOV focus on Europe in 2007, chosen by young people, will be "Make me a channel of your peace". The annual focus in 2006 is on Latin America.
Additional information on the Decade to Overcome Violence is available on the DOV website
