Member Church News: Reconciliation, Condolences, Commemorations, Assistance

In June Pope Francis asked for forgiveness for past sins committed against Waldensian sisters and brothers in Italy. Last month, the Synod of the Waldensian and Methodist Churches responded with an official letter to the Pope.

In Cuba, President Raul Castro has sent a message of condolences to the family of Reverend Sergio Arce Martinez, pastor emeritus of the Presbyterian Church Reformed in Cuba, who passed away on August 25th at the age of 91.

In August 2008, religious fundamentalists brutally attacked and tormented hundreds of Dalits and Adivasis in Kandhmal (India). The attack killed 90 people, demolished 350 churches and damaged or destroyed 6500 homes. Last week, our sisters and brothers in India marked this event, expressed solidarity with the struggle of the people of Kandhamal, and called for adequate pressure on governmental institutions to provide justice for the victims and survivors.

The Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren Diakonie Centre for Humanitarian and Development Aid has contributed to the delivery of aid to Ukraine. As a result of ongoing conflict, more than 630,000 Ukrainians are internally displaced.

The Ghanaian Presbyterian Women’s Fellowship met in New York City to share hopes and dreams. The gathering brought together more than 300 African immigrant women from across the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Presbyterian Church of Canada for three days of worship, workshops, fellowship and to address the business needs of the organization.