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From the desk of the General Secretary, Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana

REV FRANK CHIKANE & SACC DELEGATION TO REPORT ON VISIT TO HOLY LAND

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) joined former SACC Vice-President and former General Secretary of the SACC, the Rev Frank Chikane, in his capacity as the Moderator of the Churches Commission on International Affairs (CCIA) of the World Council Churches (WCC) and Emeritus Pastor of the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa (AFM) in undertaking a pastoral visit to Palestine/Israel from 24-27 May 2022.

The delegation included Rev Mzwandile Molo, the Director – Church Liaison & Community Empowerment for the SACC, and Rev. Moss Ntlha, the General Secretary of The Evangelical Alliance of South Africa (TEASA) and a pastor of the Ebenezer Evangelical Church.

The delegation attended the annual “Christ at the Checkpoint” Conference in Bethlehem, Palestine, and additionally undertook different engagements to interaction with Church leaders, community leaders and human rights groups in Palestine and Israel. Visits to communities and families of the oppressed were also conducted, which uncovered the full extent of the 55 years illegal occupation of Palestine by Israel.

You are therefore invited to attend the media briefing where the delegation will offer a report back on their visit:

DATE: Thursday 2 June 2022

TIME: 10:30 am for 11:00 am
VENUE: SACC Head Office, Khotso House, 62 Marshall St, JHB CBD

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Pope’s pilgrimage of peace, hope, closeness to DRC and South Sudan

Two nations, three cities, eight discourses, three homilies, and meetings with civil and ecclesial authorities, young people, displaced persons, and victims of violence.

An intense programme with few moments of rest awaits the Pope as he travels, from 2 to 7 July, to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, where – fulfilling a wish expressed years ago – is due to undertake an “Ecumenical Pilgrimage of Peace”, together with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Iain Greenshields.

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At Katholikentag, WCC moderator reflects on faith and hope

Abuom offered two presentations, the first on 27 May as part of a panel with titled “The love of Christ moves, reconciles and unites the world,” and the second on 28 May as part of a service with the theme “Celebrating with Global Ecumenism.”

Abuom reflected on how the theme of the WCC 11th Assembly, “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity,” is intertwined with the Katholikentag theme.

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Churches diaconal work in Italy an essential tool in upholding human dignity of refugees

The 2022 regional focus of the WCC Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace in 2022 is Europe. The visit is facilitated by the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe and hosted by Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy. 

The WCC delegation is led by Dr Agnes Abuom, moderator of the WCC central committee, and Torsten Moritz, general secretary of the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe. 

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Synodality should lead us to live communion more intensely

Synodality has been taking root in the Church in Latin America for some time, embracing “a correct interpretation” of the teachings of the Second Vatican Council that implies “learning anew how to walk together” in the face of epochal changes in society.

At the same time, Pope Francis told the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, “we have to be aware of our limitation in order to be able to mature and bear evangelical fruit” on this synodal path.

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WCC on gun violence in the United States: “Our grief is deep, our prayers are strong”

Nineteen children and two adults were killed in the latest tragic incident, most of them at an elementary school in Texas. 

“And again, it is on behalf of our worldwide fellowship of churches that I offer our sincere condolences to people and churches in the US,” wrote Sauca. “Yesterday’s gun violence and the loss of life are horrific reminders of how people on earth fall short of the will of our just and loving God.”

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Pope: Pray for peace and move forward together in solidarity

Referring to the motto of the Katholikentag, the Pope noted how God has “breathed his breath of life into humanity,” and in Jesus this “sharing of life” of God reaches its “unsurpassable apex” as “he shares our earthly life to enable us to participate in his divine life.”

We are also called to follow Jesus’ example in caring for the poor and suffering, as we are today close to the people of Ukraine and all those who are threatened by violence, the Pope pointed out, calling on us all to implore God’s peace on all people.

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African women church leaders: “Where is there justice today?”

In a “Litany of Lamentation,” the women—all in positions of ecclesiastic authority—expressed grief that the sins of patriarchy and sexism continue to distort the world. 

“We lament the suffering of women and girls perpetrated under the oppressive system of patriarchy upheld by religion and culture,” their lamentation reads. “Where is there justice today for women who daily live in fear that they are at risk of being raped by those they trust?”

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Pope prays for victims of extreme weather in the US and in Canada

Pope Francis said he is saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life and destruction caused by the tornado which struck the Gaylord community in recent days.

In a telegram addressed to Bishop Jeffrey J. Walsh of Gaylord, a city of about 4,200 people west of Detroit in the US State of Michigan, the Pope expressed heartfelt solidarity with all affected by this natural disaster. 

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Committing to climate-responsible finance sends “strong signal of hope to all”

WCC acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca opened the discussion by reflecting on the importance of nurturing a world that is habitable for future generations. “By joining this webinar, you are sending a strong signal of hope to all,” he said. “By joining this initiative, you are using your influence to accelerate the most powerful actions for climate solutions.” 

Prof. Dr Iyad Moghli, director, UN Environment Programme and Faith4Earth, noted that the joint appeal comes at a critical moment. “It is the responsibly of everyone to curb the impact of these global challenges and strive for sustainable ways of living to protect food, people and planet,” he said. “Science is clear about climate change.”

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