WCC NEWS: Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem share “eternal Christmas message”

The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem shared a Christmas message amid continuing conflict and uncertainty in the region. A star sits at the top of a Christmas tree at Manger Square, adjacent to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, 2022. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 17 December 2024 “This ancient path of redemption leads us full-circle to our time, when wars still rage and untold millions in our region and around the globe continue to suffer grievously,” the message reads. "Outwardly, little seems to have changed.” Yet inwardly, the message reflects, Jesus Christ’s holy birth sparked a spiritual revolution that continues to transform countless hearts and minds towards the ways of justice, mercy, and peace. “For those families of the faithful who have remained in the Holy Land, as well as those who have joined us, it is our privilege to continue to testify to the sacred light of Christ in the very places where He was born, ministered, and offered Himself on our behalf, rising victoriously from the grave to a new resurrected life,” reads the message. “In this hopeful Christmas spirit, we give thanks to the Almighty for the recent ceasefire between two of the warring parties in our region, and we call for it to be expanded into Gaza and many other places, bringing an end to the wars that have plagued our part of the world.” The message also appeals for the release of all prisoners and captives, the return of the homeless and displaced, the treatment of the sick and wounded, the relief of those who hunger and thirst, the restoration of unjustly seized or threatened properties, and the rebuilding of all public and private civilian structures that have been damaged or destroyed. “Finally, during this sacred Christmas season and beyond, we call upon all Christians and those of goodwill around the world to join us in praying and working towards this noble mission, both in Christ’s homeland and wherever there is conflict and strife,” the message concludes. Full message by Patriarchs and Heads of Churches  Christmas message from the World Council of Churches WCC Christmas 2024 page  See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

A Christmas Message from the Presbyterian Foundation

As 2023 comes to a close, I want to thank you for the ways in which you share the love of God by supporting our church, the ministries and missions you love, your communities, and the many causes that are instrumental in making the world a better place. Please, take a few moments to join me for this video message where I focus on a few specific places that especially need our prayers for peace. And may the joyous spirit of Christmas guide us towards unity, understanding, and compassion. I pray that we let our light so shine before people so that we illuminate the dark places in the world with the radiant light of God’s peace. Tom Taylor President and Chief Executive Officer

WCC NEWS: WCC Christmas message: “the love of God in Christ is meant indeed for all people, for the whole of creation”

The World Council of Churches (WCC) Christmas message, signed by WCC acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, reflects on the love of Christ—a love that is for all. Traditional Ethiopian Orthodox icon from Lalibela. Photo: Philippe Lissac/Godong 23 December 2022 “The joyful message of the first Christmas states that the love of God in Christ is meant indeed for all people, for the whole of creation,” reads the message. “Our time is a time of fear.” Some fear the climate emergency, the message acknowledges. “Many are afraid today that they will no longer be able to feed their children tomorrow,” the message laments. “Others are afraid that military conflicts may cause nuclear disasters.” Fear is leading to increasing hate speech, to a proliferation of conspiracy theories, violations of human rights, and threats to democracy, Sauca writes. “The angel of the first Christmas called the shepherds to have faith in the divine promise of peace on earth and God’s goodwill towards humanity,” the text reads. “Who are people of good will?” They are those who affirm today the dignity of every human being, Sauca writes.  “They are our companions on the pilgrimage of justice, reconciliation, and unity,” he writes. “At the first Christmas, God came to us in Jesus of Nazareth that we may be reconciled with God and become servants of reconciliation.” Special page: WCC Christmas 2022 WCC Christmas message 2022 See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania.  Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland