Prayers for peace in Leipzig recall place of East Germany’s ‘peaceful revolution’
by Stephen Brown When delegates from the General Council took part in peace prayers at the Leipzig’s historic Nikolaikirche—St Nicholas’ Church—they joined a tradition stretching back 35 years which became a focus for a peaceful revolt against communist rule in East Germany. “Monday after Monday prayers for peace have been held in the Nikolaikirche,” said […]
Council called to strengthen communion
by Hui Jun Chia In his address on “Strengthening Communion” to the 2017 General Council, Rev. Dr. Collin Cowan drew out the critical question of whether the Communion’s strength was the end in itself, or if strength was the means for capacity for transformative praxis to respond to discerning and doing God’s mission. “Embedded in […]
Organ concert provides experience in Bach’s home church
By Amy Eckert It was only fitting that an organ concert for the General Council on Monday would be held in Leipzig’s Thomaskirche, where organ master Johann Sebastian Bach served as cantor from 1723-1750. The beloved composer premiered many of his sacred works here and his grave lies within the church walls. It was also […]
WCRC fosters dialogue between North and South Korea
Delegations from South and North Korea were able to meet at the General Council of the World Communion of Reformed Churches in Leipzig. These meetings are part of a process of dialogue for peace and reunification. by Laurence Villoz “The Korean situation is extremely critical. We must find solutions and advance together towards unification,” said […]
Council challenged to practice a costly discipleship
by Hui Jun Chia “Are we facing forces which constitute a spiritual assault on the integrity and truth of Christian faith in today’s world?” This rhetorical question was posed by former General Secretary of the Reformed Church in America Rev. Dr. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson in his theme address on “Mission in Communion” at the 2017 WCRC […]
Jesus brought message of liberation from occupation, says Palestinian Christian
by Stephen Brown The mission of Jesus cannot be understood without looking at the context of occupation, according to Palestinian Christian Mitri Raheb, speaking at a global assembly of Reformed churches. “Jesus was born under occupation, he spent his entire life under occupation and was crushed on the cross by occupation,” Raheb said in on […]
Council urges G20 to support Paris climate change pact
by Stephen Brown The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) is urging the forthcoming G20 summit meeting of leading economies to support the Paris climate change agreement following a decision by US President Donald Trump to withdraw from the accord. The appeal came on 3 July at a meeting in Leipzig, Germany, of the General […]
General Council approves statement on ordination of women
by Laurence Villoz The “Declaration of Faith on the Ordination of Women” was accepted by the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) at its General Council on Monday, 3 July, in Leipzig. “We have reached a certain consensus,” exclaimed Jerry Pillay, president of the WCRC. At the decision-making session on gender justice delegates accepted the […]
Young radio DJ uses her programme to keep Zambian Christians real
By Amy Eckert You would think living in a declared Christian country would be good for believers. 23-year-old DJ Jessica Bwali isn’t entirely sure. “In recent years there’s been a mushrooming of Christian churches in Zambia,” said Jessica of her home country. “But unfortunately, they aren’t really Christian at all. In many, a kind of […]
Church-themed dresses provide General Council delegate a sense of unity
By Amy Eckert Rosie Galanti attends the Zengeza-Seke Church in Harare. And she wants everyone to know it. The General Council delegate likes to wear her bright yellow church dress at home in Zimbabwe, too. She sees the garment’s vibrant color and images of the church in orange, black and white as an evangelism tool. […]