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A diverse group of nearly 50 church leaders, representatives of various faith traditions, ecumenical organizations, Indigenous communities, and climate experts are gathered in Brazil's capital from 18-20 March to coordinate efforts for meaningful engagement in the lead-up to COP30, the 2025 United Nations Climate Conference. Their central concern: ensuring that local voices are heard.

Washington, D.C.—CWS today announced that the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (A.M.E. Zion) had committed to joining Church World Service as a Covenant Member. The A.M.E. Zion Church is the 15th faith-based organization to commit to Covenant Membership with CWS, together representing more than 10 million people of faith across the United States and Canada. CWS celebrates this partnership and ... Read More

[Anglican Communion News Service] The Anglican Communion Office has announced the appointment of the Rt. Rev. Victor Atta-Baffoe as the new chair of the Commission for Theological Education in the Anglican Communion. He is bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Cape Coast, Ghana, and replaces the Most Rev. Howard Gregory of Jamaica, who retired at the end of 2024. The commission was created in February 2022, following approval from the Anglican Consultative Council’s Standing Committee. It aims to build upon and expand the work previously undertaken by Theological Education in the Anglican Communion, enhancing networking across seminaries and churches, and developing online resources. Currently, 38 provinces have a nominated CTEAC commissioner. Speaking of his appointment, Atta-Baffoe said, “As I step into the role of chair of CTEAC, I do so with a deep sense of humility, responsibility and hope. Theological education is not merely an academic exercise but a vital means of equipping the church for faithful witness, discipleship and mission. It forms the heart of how we understand and live out our faith in a world that is constantly changing. “…I believe that theological education plays a vital role in fostering dialogue among Anglicans across the world. In a communion marked by both diversity and shared faith, CTEAC has the opportunity to serve as a bridge – helping to connect different theological perspectives, cultural contexts and expressions of Anglican identity. Theological education is not just about imparting knowledge. It is about shaping how we think, pray and relate to one another. CTEAC can help Anglicans understand one another more deeply and engage with both commonalities and differences in faith.” Prior to his election and consecration in 2014, Atta-Baffoe was the dean of St. Nicholas Theological Seminary in Cape Coast for 12 years. He was a member of the Inter-Anglican Doctoral and Theological Commission and Covenant Design Group, and he also was a recipient of the Lambeth St. Augustine’s Cross Award for “Outstanding Lifelong Service to the Church and Society through Theological Education and Ecumenical Relations.” He is also a member of the Judicial Council of the Republic of Ghana. He is also chair of the governing council of the Anglican Network of Institutions of Theological Education Preparing Anglicans for Ministry. He was a member of the “Bishops in Dialogue” consultation and the Inter-Anglican Standing Commission on Unity, Faith and Order. He is a member of the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission. The Rev. Stephen Spencer, director of theology and implementation for the Anglican Communion, welcomed Atta-Baffoe to his new position, saying,  “I am delighted that the Rt. Rev. Victor Atta-Baffoe has agreed to be chair of CTEAC. Bishop Victor has an extraordinary background in theological education and ecumenism, and has a wealth of experience in the commissions arena, having previously served on other Anglican Communion commissions such as IASCUFO. I know that Bishop Victor will guide CTEAC wisely during the next season of its work and look forward to the fruits of that future work.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering peace in Colombia, the World Council of Churches (WCC) has announced a transition in its representation in that country’s peace process.

[World Council of Churches] World Council of Churches general secretary the Rev. Jerry Pillay expressed deep alarm and grief over the deadly attack on Gaza carried out by Israeli forces March 17-18, killing more than 400 people, as well as airstrikes by the United States in Yemen. “We unequivocally condemn this unnecessary re-escalation of violence, which has led to more deaths and further suffering for innocent civilians, including women and children,” he said about Gaza. “As a fellowship of churches committed to justice and peace, we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a renewed commitment to dialogue and diplomatic solutions.” Pillay also said the people of Yemen, like those in Gaza, deserve security, dignity and the opportunity to live free from fear and violence. “We also strongly condemn the recent U.S. airstrikes on Yemen, which have further destabilized the region and inflicted additional suffering on an already vulnerable population,” he said. “Military action cannot be a path to peace; rather, it exacerbates humanitarian crises and deepens cycles of conflict.” Read Pillay’s full statement here.

Will the United Nations Global Digital Compact (GDC) meets its aim of fostering an inclusive, open, safe, and secure digital future for all? Its success or failure hangs on how it is put into practice, say WACC and its partners, in a new implementation roadmap...

The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) is gravely concerned about the resumption of a new wave of bombing in Gaza on March 17-18, 2025, that broke every aspect of the cease-fire deal, resulting in the deaths of 400 Palestinians and yet another round of displacement for people in Gaza. The latest wave of airstrikes […]

The post Focus: Palestine – A Vital Resource for Reconciliation and Advocacy appeared first on WCRC.

Church leaders and justice advocates in the Philippines say the arrest of the former president is a step toward justice for the thousands who died during his war on drugs.

<article class="media media--image display--large"> <div class="image-container"> <div class="field field-media-image"> <img loading="eager" width="430" height="323" alt="Saleha, a community health volunteer, provides health training to a young mother." class="lazyload" data-src="/sites/default/files/styles/default_mobile/public/2025-03/crc-news_2025-3-19_gac-funds-world-renew-program.jpg?itok=3eNOBsGa" /> </div> <div class="field field-image-caption">Saleha, a community health volunteer, provides health training to a young mother.</div> </div> <div class="field field-image-credit">worldrenew.ca</div> </article> <br /> World Renew has received a Global Affairs Canada grant for a program supporting vulnerable youth in Bangladesh.

<article class="media media--image display--large"> <div class="image-container"> <div class="field field-media-image"> <img loading="eager" width="430" height="323" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/sites/default/files/styles/default_mobile/public/2025-03/crc-news_2025-3-19_korean-pastors.jpg?itok=Jq7Ga49D" /> </div> </div> </article> <br /> English-speaking Korean ministers from across the United States and Canada gathered in Orlando, Fl., Feb. 24–27.