Member Church News: Anniversaries, Solidarity, Polities

April 7 marked the 30th anniversary of the Hutu genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Beginning on 7 April 1994, more than 800,000 Tutsis and 10,000 Twa were murdered over approximately 100 days. The Rwandan constitution today speaks of one million deaths. “Words cannot be found to describe this terrible tragedy, which will be commemorated in Rwanda for 100 days starting in April. What happened will never be forgotten,” says Pastor Dr. Pascal Bataringaya, President of the Eglise Presbytérienne au Rwanda.

A book on Sergio Arce’s theology was presented at the Evangelical Theology Seminary, the culmination of the theological day commemorating the centenary of Arce, which took place at the Seminary on 1 and 2 April.

The United Church of Canada is inviting people to gather online with Indigenous minister Tony Snow and others for a time of prayer on United Nations International Mother Earth Day, 22 April.

A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step and in likeness, the journey of 133 years of Presbyterian Church in East Africa Education started in 1891 and the torch has kept shining bright. Through this fruitful mission work, various learning institutions including the famous Alliance High School and Alliance Girls High School were established. This journey of education which now is one of the church’s major pillars, has seen the growth of East African societies in both Christian and formal education.

During Holy Week, two interfaith partners of the United Church of Christ witnessed institutions of theirs in Gaza—one a medical facility, one an education center—devastated by attacks on Rafah and Gaza City by the Israeli military.

In recent years, churches have always enthusiastically discussed topics such as “gospel vs culture” and “faith vs politics.” In order to create opportunities for a cross-generational dialogue, Heizang Church of Payuan Presbytery held the first round table seminar, entitled as “Maljavar (Listen and Speak): An Indigenous Round Table Seminar on the Gospel vs Cultures.”

RedCrearte celebrates its 20th anniversary: At the time of its launch, Jorge Lockward expressed that the Network responded to “the need to advance on the path of reflection, formation and musical and liturgical renewal is a widespread cry in many faith communities in Latin America. The Crearte Network, when conceived as an independent entity, has the beautiful possibility and at the same time the tremendous challenge of being able to serve all the churches, institutions and organizations that require its services or advice.”

A strong earthquake has shaken the east coast of Taiwan, leaving deep traces of destruction. The force of nature tore many people out of their everyday lives, left behind damaged buildings and roads, and forced families to face an uncertain future. Amid the rubble and the efforts to save lives and provide refuge, people’s deep connection to those in need is evident. The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan stands by those affected, offering comfort and practical help wherever it can.

US Christian pastors sign a declaration opposing religious nationalism: The declaration commits Christian leaders to preaching on moral issues and rejecting a political movement it says is exploiting traditional values to undermine democracy.

A table with space for everyone: Under the theme “That the World May Know”, the Global Christian Forum kicks off its Fourth Global Gathering, in Accra, Ghana, on Tuesday, 16 April.

Representatives of all four CPCE Regional Groups came together from March 13-15, 2024 in Prague for a conference full of fruitful discussion, thought-provoking presentations, and the sharing in a worship service and celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Hosted by the Czechoslovak Hussite Church, the conference was the first of its kind, bringing together all of these regional representatives in the same room to discuss the work of the Southeast Europe Regional Group on the topic of Church and Democracy.

Churches instrumental as Colombia emerges from conflict, say peace envoys: Peace in Colombia has been a long time coming, began Juan Carlos Cuéllar, representative of the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN), as he spoke at a World Council of Churches panel discussion titled “The things that make for peace in Colombia” on 9 April.

Conference of European Churches delegation visits Ukraine, accompanying churches in their struggles for peace: “We are here to listen to the churches and communities,” said CEC President Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain. “It is inspiring how they stay resilient in the face of Russian aggression and give witness to the devastation of life and territory. Together with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, we continue to demand an end to Russian hostilities and establishment of lasting peace in the region.”

Asian churches challenged to inspire and achieve shared vision of “zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.”

_{Image: People gather in prayer at the Global Christian Forum gathering in Bogotá, Colombia in 2018. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC}