WCC NEWS: Communication critical in our digital age, WCC central committee emphasizes

The World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee has underscored the vital importance of churches addressing critical issues related to social justice raised by digital transformation. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 16 February 2022 The WCC governing body on 14 February received “A New Communications Paper for the 21st Century: A vision of digital justice,” a text created in preparation for the WCC’s 11th Assembly later in 2022 that takes into account the results of a symposium on “Communication for Social Justice in a Digital Age” held in September 2021. According to the paper, the digital transformation of society raises profound issues that the ecumenical fellowship has wrestled with for many decades: power, justice, equity, participation, promoting sustainable communities, care for creation, how voices from the margins are heard, as well as human dignity, and what it means to be human, made in the image of God. The paper states that “digital technologies can be powerful tools for living in relation with others, for inclusion, education, encounter, imagination, creativity, and understanding.” However, digital communication platforms are also “used to spread disinformation and hate, exploit individuals and communities, increase surveillance, and contribute to growing gaps in access, power, and wealth.” To bring about digital justice, the paper urges “a transformative movement led by civil society and communities of faith.” The WCC central committee also received the report “Pilgrims on the Path of Peace – The Journey of the WCC from Busan to Karlsruhe,” which recounts the journey of the WCC since its last assembly in 2013. It is the story of a fellowship of churches committed to moving together on a Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace, and will be the report of the central committee to the assembly. The WCC central committee is meeting via videoconference 9-15 February to prepare for the WCC’s 11th Assembly, address business matters, and strengthen the WCC fellowship through sharing and prayer.   A New Communications Paper for the 21st Century: A vision of digital justice WCC central committee meeting 2022 Symposium on Communication for Social Justice in a Digital Age Learn more about the WCC 11th Assembly 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 349 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 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

WCC NEWS: Get involved in groundbreaking symposium addressing digital transformation

Participate in a public dialogue about digital communication, or submit a case study that sets an example for the world: expressions of interest are invited for active participation in a symposium scheduled for 13-15 September 2021.  Photo: Paul Jeffrey/ACT Alliance 15 July 2021 The symposium, co-organised by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and World Association for Christian Communication, will focus on the impact of digital transformation on communities and societies. Co-organisers include Brot für die Welt (Bread for the World), Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland (Evangelical Church in Germany), Evangelisches Missionswerk in Deutschland (Association of Protestant Churches and Missions in Germany), and World Student Christian Federation-Europe Region. The event will bring together research, experiences from different regions and marginalized communities, expert input on economic and political trends, and ethical and theological reflection as a contribution to the WCC 11th Assembly in September 2022.  The aim of the symposium is to explore the challenges of digital communication with a social justice lens, and to identify opportunities for concerted and collaborative actions with faith communities and among faith, civil society, academic, media and technological organizations. How to participate  Many people will be able to follow the symposium through livestreamed and recorded sessions. But those who wish to contribute to the dialogue and action planning for the full event, or present a case study, are invited to express their interest.    The symposium will be primarily conducted online, with the programme adjusted for three different major time zones. The debate and action planning in the symposium will be built on thematic presentations and the contribution of three Working Groups working in advance, addressing the major themes of Digital Justice, Public Space and Vision for the Future.  Participation in the symposium will be limited and the intention is to ensure diversity as much as possible in terms of age, gender, geographical location, and different sectors of society.  If you wish to participate as part of the online dialogue and action planning, please fill out an expression of interest form. The deadline is 15 August 2021.  A key part of the symposium will be hearing how communities around the world experience and address digital opportunities and challenges. Organisations, churches, groups, community media and other community networks are invited to share their experiences. This could be in the form of case studies submitted in a variety of formats. Case studies will be included in the background for symposium participants, presented as part of the public resources of the symposium. Several case studies will be selected to be presented during the symposium itself.    To submit a case study, fill out a case study form. The deadline is 4 August. Expression of interest form Proposed Programme  Click here for the Event: Communication for Social Justice in a Digital Age  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 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 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