T he Decade to Overcome Violence (2001-2010) stems from the World Council of Churches’ (WCC) passionate engagement with the issues of justice, peace and the integrity of creation, while relentlessly exploring the purpose of Christian unity in a broken world. |
The churches meeting for the Eighth WCC Assembly in Harare, Zimbabwe, at the end of the most violent century in human history, committed themselves to a pilgrimage of peace. The Assembly called the churches, ecumenical organizations and all people of goodwill, to work together to overcome violence through peace and justice. The WCC encourages churches and communities to address issues of violence in their own contexts and to work together for peace, justice and reconciliation in the Decade to Overcome Violence.
In its commitment to overcoming violence the WCC:
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"All this is from God, who reconciled us to Godself through Christ and has given us the ministry
of reconciliation." 2 Cor. 5:18
"Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an everflowing stream." Amos 5:24
"For Christ is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall
of hostility..." Eph. 2:14
"We are challenged by the vision of a church, the people of God on the way together, confronting
all divisions of race, gender, age or culture, striving to realise justice
and peace, upholding the integrity of creation."
"We are convinced: A clear witness to peace and nonviolence grounded in justice is what the
world needs today from all churches together... As Christians, we are motivated and encouraged by the Gospel message of the peace of Christ and the rich biblical tradition of peace with justice... We want to engage in constructive efforts to build a culture of peace.
(Message of the Eighth Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Harare 1998)
(Message from the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches, Geneva 1999)
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Telephone (41.22) 791 60 42 Fax (41.22) 791 64 09 E-mail: DOV