September 2004
+ Ecumenical leaders discuss future of ecumenism
+ WCC hosts Indigenous leaders to UN caucus
+ Churches to celebrate International Day of Prayer for Peace
+ WCC general secretary to visit churches in Canada
Ecumenical leaders discuss future of ecumenism
2-4 September, Nairobi, Kenya
The WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia will join the heads of regional ecumenical organizations to share information on current issues in the various regions and organizations, and issues related to the reconfiguration of the ecumenical movement. Relationships with the Roman Catholic Church will also be discussed. Leaders from about ten ecumenical organizations will be present.
Media contact: Mitch Odero, +254-20-444-1483 / 1338 / 9 infodesk@aacc-ceta.org
WCC hosts Indigenous leaders to UN caucus
11-12 September, Geneva, Switzerland
The WCC will host over 100 Indigenous leaders participating in a caucus at the 10th session of the working group on a draft United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Meeting at the WCC headquarters before the session, caucus participants from all parts of the world will review the progress of the draft declaration, and work towards a common strategy during the session, which takes place in Geneva 13-24 September.
More on WCC Indigenous peoples' work at
wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/jpc/indig.html
Churches to celebrate International Day of Prayer for Peace
21 September, worldwide
In 2004 for the first time, the WCC Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) is joining the United Nations International Day of Peace by inviting congregations worldwide to pray for peace on or around thatday. This initiative, which was welcomed by the UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, is one way to combine the strength and witness of churches and faith communities with the international community as a whole as they strive together to promote peace and justice in the world.
More information on the WCC-DOV International Day of Prayer for Peace is available at:
WCC general secretary to visit churches in Canada
30 September - 4 October, Winnipeg / Toronto / Ottawa, Canada
The WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia will preach at an ecumenical worship service and meet with Canadian Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Karen Hamilton during a visit to member churches and ecumenical organizations in Canada. During the visit, Kobia will take part in a public lecture and panel discussion on “The impact of emerging inter-faith relationships on classical ecumenism” as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Canadian Center for Ecumenism, and conduct a seminar with theological students of African descent from the Toronto School of Theology.
