Three WCC commissions meet to confront emerging global challenges

[World Council of Churches] Three World Council of Churches commissions — the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, Commission on Health and Healing, and Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development — are meeting jointly March 5-8 in Geneva to explore the theme “Faith and Effective Witness and Diakonia in the 21st Century.” The…

Central Pennsylvania cathedral hosts ‘Leaders & Liberators’ reenactment honoring Harriet Tubman

Raquel Richard will portray Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman in a dramatic reading on March 10 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Photo: Martha Harris [Episcopal News Service] On March 10, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, will observe 111 years since the death of Harriet Tubman by hosting a one-hour dramatic…

Legislative committee meetings underway on road to Louisville for 81st General Convention

[Episcopal News Service] The work of the 81st General Convention is underway. Bishops and deputies have begun meeting online as the legislative committees that will bring resolutions to the floor when General Convention convenes in person June 23-28 in Louisville, Kentucky. This is the second General Convention for which most committee meetings and hearings are…

Climate emergency panel addresses how churches can respond with faith and hope

[World Council of Churches] During a panel discussion at the meeting of three World Council of Churches commissions on March 5 , speakers explored the theme “Climate emergency—churches responding in faith and hope.” The panel was moderated by the Most Rev. Julio Murray Thompson, who also moderates the Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development,…

WCC commission members debate impact of current political trends

[World Council of Churches] People from around the world involved in the work of three critical World Council of Churches commissions have discussed global geopolitical trends impacting their activities and church members. The panel, led by the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, was moderated by Mathews George Chunakara, general secretary of the Christian…

Episcopal delegates to UN Commission on the Status of Women are ready to begin their work

The 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women will take place March 11-22. Photo: UNCSW68 logo [Episcopal News Service] The 10 women who will represent Presiding Bishop Michael Curry at the 68th meeting of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women are set to begin their work on…

Church’s Economic Justice Loan Fund supports communities’ equitable access to capital

Atlanta, Georgia-based Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs is one of many Community Development Financial Institutions The Episcopal Church has provided low-interest loans through its Economic Justice Loan Fund. In turn, ACE provides loans to Atlanta-area small businesses, such as Bespokuture, a Black-owned clothing company. Photo: Jordan Luke [Episcopal News Service] With help from secular and…

The Church of Bangladesh celebrates 50th anniversary

[Anglican Communion News Service] The secretary general of the Anglican Communion, the Rt. Rev. Anthony Poggo, visited and encouraged members of the Church of Bangladesh March 1-2 as they celebrated their 50th anniversary and the 200th anniversary of St Thomas’ Cathedral. The Church of Bangladesh is a united Protestant church formed by the union of various…

Church Commissioners for England welcomes report on new fund addressing African chattel enslavement

[The Church of England] The Board of Governors of the Church Commissioners has warmly welcomed the report of the independent Oversight Group, the recommendations from which will shape the new Fund for Healing, Repair and Justice. The Oversight Group was tasked with advising the Church Commissioners’ response to its historic links with African chattel enslavement. “In seeking…

House of Bishops gathers in Texas for fellowship, ‘future of the church’ discussions

The House of Bishops poses for a photo at its March 2024 meeting at Camp Allen in Navasota, Texas. Photo: Frank Logue [Episcopal News Service — Navasota, Texas] The House of Bishops is gathering Feb. 28 – March 4 here at Camp Allen in Navasota, Texas, for its spring retreat centered on the theme “Grounded…