April 1, 2006 WCC deplores Muhammad cartoons

The World Council of Churches has deplored the publication of cartoons caricaturing the Prophet Muhammad, and urged its members to join in non-violent protests with those experiencing attacks on their religion.

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April 1, 2006 U.S. church leaders slam Iraq war

A group of religious leaders from the United States has issued a public letter criticizing the war in Iraq and acknowledging their churches’ inability to stop it.

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April 1, 2006 Sexuality disputes hinder unity

Disputes in churches about homosexuality are hampering the search for Christian unity, Vatican officials said during the global meeting of the World Council of Churches.

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April 1, 2006 Churches agree to joint assemblies

Leaders of two world Christian groupings have reacted positively to a proposal by Rev. Samuel Kobia, World Council of Churches general secretary, that the three worldwide bodies jointly hold the next meetings of their highest governing bodies.

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April 1, 2006 'One voice' needed on climate change

The top official of the World Council of Churches says climate change represents one of humanity’s most dire threats and he has appealed to denominations around the world to speak with one voice to alert political leaders to tackle the issue.

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April 1, 2006 Church efforts key to migration

As issues around migration, both voluntary and forced, become more complex, the efforts of churches are becoming increasingly critical to the survival of refugees worldwide, participants at a global church gathering have heard.

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April 1, 2006 Rabbis' group wins Japanese peace prize

Rabbis for Human Rights of Israel, a Jerusalem-based organization that promotes peace and social justice for Israelis and Palestinians, is to be awarded the 23rd Niwano Peace Prize, the Japan-based Niwano Peace Foundation has announced.

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April 1, 2006 Bishop seeks treatment

Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States, has returned to work after spending time at an alcohol-dependency treatment centre. In a letter to churches in New Hampshire, where he serves as bishop, Bishop Robinson said he had entered a treatment centre on Feb. 1, where he would spend the rest of the month.

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May 25, 2006 WCC central committee falls short on youth

The World Council of Churches (WCC) assembly on Feb. 22 elected its 150-member central committee, its governing body, after three days of contentiousness over the lack of youth delegates (aged 18 to 30) on the nominations slate.

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