Author: wwedderburn

[World Council of Churches] The Rainbow Pilgrims of Faith visited the World Council of Churches to discuss various topics, including human sexuality, stigma, discrimination, violence, racism, gender equality and well-being. They also addressed gender-based violence and theological narratives that shape masculinity, accountability and pastoral care. “We are grateful for the annual meetings with the Rainbow…

[World Council of Churches] The Rev. Jerry Pillay, the World Council of Churches’ general secretary, released a May 21 statement condemning the reported mistreatment of pro-Palestinian activists detained by Israeli authorities this week after their Gaza-bound flotilla was intercepted. “Such treatment of civilians and peace activists constitutes a serious violation of human dignity and of…

[World Council of Churches] The World Council of Churches is inviting Christians worldwide to participate in a virtual prayer session for peace in Ukraine on June 11. The event, organized in collaboration with the Ukraine Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, is intended to bring the worldwide ecumenical community into a shared rhythm of solidarity,…

The Animal Cabin at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania, is a day respite space for shelter, rescue and foster dogs on the parish’s 42-acre campus. Photo: St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church/Facebook [Episcopal News Service] St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania, expanded its animal ministry by launching the Animal Cabin, a respite space for…

[Episcopal News Service] San Diego Bishop Susan Brown Snook issued a statement calling for prayers and peace after a May 18 shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego in California left five people dead, including the two suspects. “I ask that we all keep the people affected in our prayers and that we pray…

Layan Nasir, an Anglican Palestinian woman, was released from Damon Prison at Daliyat al-Karmel, Israel, on May 15, eight months after an Israeli court convicted her on unclear charges. Photo: Hosam Naoum/Facebook [Episcopal News Service] Layan Nasir, an Anglican Palestinian woman, has been released from Damon Prison at Daliyat al-Karmel, Israel, eight months after an…

[World Council of Churches] The Rev. Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, released a statement May 18 expressing “deep concern” over the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency. Ebola is a severe and potentially fatal disease that…

[Episcopal News Service] The Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania Standing Committee announced May 15 that the diocese’s bishop search committee had released a slate of two candidates for the diocese’s ninth bishop.  The elected candidate will succeed Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe, who resigned as Northwestern Pennsylvania’s bishop in 2024 after he was elected and confirmed as…

[Episcopal News Service] The Rev. Elizabeth “Libby” Berman was elected the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Hawai‘i on May 16 at the ‘Iolani School in Honolulu on O‘ahu. Berman was elected on the second ballot after the first ballot was canceled due to technical issues. The election required a majority of votes in both…

[World Council of Churches] The Rev. Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, released a statement May 18 calling for an end to “unconscionable” violence in response to Russia launching drone and missile strikes in Ukraine. “Impacts on civilians and their communities continue to escalate on almost daily basis, without respite or…