Switzerland - The Graduate Institute, Geneva

Address
WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES, WCC
150 Route de Ferney
P.O. Box 2100
CH-1211 Geneva 2
Phone +41 (0)22 791 6111
Fax +41 (0)22 791 0361
Web http://www.oikoumene.org
E-Mail info@wcc-coe.org
Category Dialogue
MISSION STATEMENT
The aim of the WCC is to pursue the goal of the visible unity of the Church. The World Council of Churches (WCC) is the broadest
and most inclusive among the many organized expressions of the modern ecumenical movement. In particular, the Justice, Peace,
Creation Program (JPO) was created with the aim to analyze and reflect on justice, peace and creation in their interrelatedness, to
promote values and practices that make for a culture of peace, and to work towards a culture of solidarity with young people,
women, Indigenous Peoples and racially and ethnically oppressed people.
Founding year 1948, consultative status with the UN.
BACKGROUND AND ACTIVITIES
The WCC is a fellowship of churches, now 348 in more than 120 countries in all continents from virtually all Christian traditions. WCC
programs relate to the Council's five "historic" themes: faith and order; mission and ecumenical formation; justice, peace and
creation; international affairs, peace and human security; and diakonia and solidarity.
The Churches Commission on International affairs (CCIA) advise the WCC in international affairs. The staff of the WCC International
Affairs, Peace and Human Security team work on peace-making and peaceful resolution of conflicts, militarism, disarmament and
arms control, human security and the root causes of terrorism, human rights, religious liberty and intolerance, impunity, justice and
reconciliation, international law and global governance.
Special Programs:
• Decade to overcome violence 2001-2010: WCC member churches aim at being agents of reconciliation and peace with
justice in homes, churches and societies as well as in the political, social and economic structures at the global level.
• Dialogue with neighbours of other religions: promoting dialogue between Christians and partners of other religious
traditions.
• Ethics of Life and alternatives to globalization: This WCC programme - with staff in Geneva and consultants and
seconded staff in the field - co-ordinates efforts to promote justice, peace and the integrity of creation so that all may attain
"fullness of life".
• Ecumenical advocacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts: The WCC works to prevent - or if that is impossible, to
resolve peacefully - armed conflicts and wars. Similarly, it works with them to identify and condemn human-rights violations.
It suggests consistent ecumenical approaches to international issues, and offers interpretation of complex issues and advice
on the root causes of war. It works through political analysis and documentation, policy development, advocacy and
solidarity campaigns and awareness-building. A recent example is the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Israel and
Palestine (EAPPI).
• Ecumenical Focus on Africa: In collaboration with NEPAD, it emphasizes overcoming HIV/AIDS, and attaining peace and
reconciliation as urgent priorities; it accompanies churches which are contributing to African peace and reconciliation
movements.