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WCC expresses abhorrence at reported atrocities in Ukraine

World Council of Churches acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, upon hearing reports that give stronger indications of grave violations of international law in Ukraine, expressed abhorrence at these reported atrocities, and called for full investigation.

“War is a context inherently conducive to such brutality, which underlines the need for systems of legal accountability to prosecute perpetrators, in order to curb the worst in humanity,” said Sauca.

“Moreover, it underscores the urgent necessity of bringing this terrible conflict to an immediate end, for the sake of preventing yet more death, injury and destruction of communities.”

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Pope Francis: ‘We never learn, we are enamoured of war and the spirit of Cain!

My health is a bit fickle, I have this problem with my knee that causes problems with getting about, with walking. It’s a bit annoying, but improving, and at least I can get out. Two weeks ago, I couldn’t do anything. It’s a slow thing; we’ll see if it comes back. However, a doubt arises at this age about not knowing how the game will end. Let’s hope it goes well.

And then about Malta: I was happy with the visit: I saw the realities of Malta; I saw an impressive enthusiasm of the people, both on Gozo and on Malta, in Valletta, and in the other places. There was a great enthusiasm in the streets; I was amazed. It was a bit short.

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Strong state institutions forge trust, says Pres Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the turnaround of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) – from an inefficient revenue collector to hitting its highest margins in years – is proof that efficient and well-run state institutions can bolster trust between government and citizens.

The President was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter.

Last week, SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter announced that the revenue collector had recorded a 25% increase in collections – reaching at least R1.5 trillion in revenue collection between April 2021 and March this year.

“As we forge ahead with efforts to strengthen the capacity of the state and rebuild institutions that were systematically weakened by state capture, we have much to learn from what SARS has achieved in a relatively short space of time.

“When state institutions are well-run and efficient, when they demonstrate credibility and fairness in their operations, this contributes to increasing levels of trust in government. Business and investor confidence also improves, encouraging greater investment and economic growth,” President Ramaphosa said on Monday.

The President reflected on a challenging period that the revenue collector has faced, including allegations of state capture, “political meddling and mismanagement” which had rendered SARS inefficient and ineffective.

“This had the direct consequence of not only undermining taxpayer morality, but also loss of business confidence in the organisation.

“In 2018, I appointed a commission of inquiry into tax administration and governance at SARS chaired by retired Justice Robert Nugent. The commission delivered its final report by the end of the same year. Four years later, SARS has implemented nearly all of the 16 recommendations and 27 sub-recommendations to restore stability to the organisation,” he said.

Since the implementation of those recommendations, the revenue service has claimed several victories.

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Inside Church

WCC plans implementation of Gender Justice Principles with practice-oriented approach

WCC deputy general secretary Prof. Dr Isabel Apawo Phiri acknowledged the years of thoughtful work that have gone into forming the principles, and added that the momentum increased during and after the WCC 10th Assembly in Busan. 

“Challenged by our experiences in Busan, we call all people – young and old, women and men, differently abled, people of different faiths – to engage their God-given gifts in transforming actions, together,” she said. “We call first of all on the member churches and partners to walk together in a common quest, renewing our vocation of the church through collaborative engagement with the most important issues of justice and peace, healing a world filled with conflict, injustice and pain.”

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Inside Church

WCC mourns loss of inspiring communicator Rev. Jean-Jacques Bauswein

Bauswein served as the French and German press officer in the WCC Department of Communication from 1972 to 1981. He then served as director of the Foyer John Knox in Geneva (later known as the Centre international Réformé John Knox) from 1981-96.

Bauswein also served as part of the WCC team at the WCC 5th Assembly in Nairobi.

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In The News

Reduced fuel levy to cushion consumers

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has tabled a proposal that will see the fuel levy being reduced by R1.50 cents per litre.

Making a statement to a sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday, Godongwana said the temporary fuel levy cut will come into effect on Wednesday next week, and will remain in effect until the end of May.

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Canadian First Nations peoples share their stories with Pope

Pope Francis receives a group of about 20 representatives of Canada’s First Nations peoples Thursday morning, having previously met with representatives of the Inuit and Métis peoples. On Friday, the Holy Father will receive all three groups together in a public audience.

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Inside Church

Reflect on Seven Weeks for Water at upcoming WCC webinar

Since 2008, the WCC Ecumenical Water Network has invited member churches to use the season of Lent to reflect on God’s gift of water.  WCC–through its “Seven Weeks for Water” campaign–has been providing weekly theological reflections and other resources on water during the Lenten period.

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Inside Church

Russia’s war with Ukraine: Five reasons why many African countries choose to be ‘neutral’

In early March the United Nation’s General Assembly voted on a resolution demanding Russia immediately stop its military operations in Ukraine.

Out of 193 member states, 141 voted in support of the resolution, five voted against, 35 abstained and 12 didn’t vote at all. Of the 54 African member states, Eritrea voted against the resolution, 16 African countries including South Africa abstained, while nine other countries did not vote at all.

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WCC condemns attacks in Israel, expresses solidarity

“We express our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this extremist violence,” said Sauca, after three deadly attacks in one week killed 11 Israelis. It is the worst wave of terrorist attacks Israel has seen in at least six years.

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