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Taking as its starting point the 1966 World Conference on Church and Society in Geneva, which marked the beginnings of a fundamental change in the understanding of ecumenical social ethics within the World Council of Churches (WCC), this article discusses the role of the conference in this shift in perspective from the idea of the "responsible society" to the emergence of a form of postcolonial ecumenism. It traces the emergence of the responsible society as a guiding principle for the WCC and, in particular, the role in this of the US social ethicist Paul Abrecht, as well as how a focus on rapid social change helped strengthen and consolidate churches in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These churches would then articulate the beginnings of a postcolonial understanding of ecumenical social ethics at the Geneva conference, which would in turn lead to the development of new programmes on social justice after the WCC's 4th Assembly in Uppsala in 1968. The article concludes by discussing the tension between the two guiding principles in the decade that followed the Uppsala assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plurality of life forms and value systems is a given (almost) everywhere on earth. Imposing on them a value system or individual values and virtues from an exterior position is rather counterproductive. Value systems are normative for individual communities but not the same. They are to relate to each other and to interact, negotiating with each other common goals and the validity and limits of values involved in their relationships and shared action. Anything else leads to tensions and violence. Internormative ethics reflect on such interaction of value systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article recalls the history of the relationships between the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Pentecostal churches from the early years of the WCC until today. One of the greatest challenges currently facing the WCC is the shift in focus of Christianity to the South and the East, a phenomenon to which emerging Pentecostal and charismatic churches and communities are contributing. Alongside global cultural trends in the context of globalization, Pentecostal and charismatic piety and spirituality are increasingly affecting the older churches as well. While some see this negatively, many see it as an expression of adaptation to new challenges necessary for the survival of these churches. The article shows how the changing ecclesial context led to the WCC to explore new avenues for building relationships such as a Joint Consultative Group and the Global Christian Forum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This article discusses the role played by Konrad Raiser in the World Council of Churches (WCC), from 1969, when he joined the staff as a study secretary, to his time as general secretary from 1993 to 2003, and especially his role in the conciliar process for Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation. As general secretary, Raiser played a key role in supporting and encouraging the churches' witness for peace and nonviolence, strengthening the fellowship of churches within the WCC through the process to develop a “Common Understanding and Vision” and the Special Commission on Orthodox Participation in the WCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a perspective on a pilgrimage of justice and peace in search of God's presence in the world. Topics discussed include the significance of the ecumenical movement to the German churches and people, God's own pilgrimage, and concerns that the German churches and ecumenical groups want to consider to join God's pilgrimage of justice and peace.

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the guest editors discuss the biblical, theological and practical perspectives that underlie the role of churches on the issue of climate change.

Discusses the ethical issues related to the educational workshops at the 1998 World Council of Churches assembly in Harare, Zimbabwe. Journey of Christians towards a life glorifying the gospel; Advantages and disadvantages of pilgrimage; Signposts for an ecumenical pilgrimage.

Focuses on the social relevance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Importance for Christians to participate in society; Efforts of the World Council of Churches to address the issues and problems brought about by globalization; Social and economic impact of economic restructuring which becomes necessary with the advent of globalization.

Emphasizes the role of justice in sustainability. Economics of equitable sharing of resources; Respect for diversity; Principle of subsidiarity.

Focuses on the role of global movements in global ethics. Declaration of the 'Towards a Global Ethic' project in 1993; Account on the Earth Charter process; History of ecumenical social thought and action; Impact of the economic globalization on religious communities.

The article discusses the importance of German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer as representation of Christ existing as community beyond the boundaries of particular identities, divisions and enmities. Topics include the link between the ecumenical movement and the community of Jesus Christ and the new humanity, the strength and decisiveness of Bonhoeffer's witness to Christ until the end, and the Psalms as the theologian's prayer book of Jesus the Jew in opposition to anti-Semitic heresies.

Discusses the work of the unit on Justice, Peace and Creation (JPIC) of the World Council of Churches' (WCC) Theology of Life program. Unit's goal of empowerment for life in community; JPIC sixth assembly in Vancouver, Canada and culimation in Seoul, Korea; Continuity and connections in the conciliar process; Ten affirmations as entry points of the Theology of Life program.

Discusses theological and biblical reflections on service within the World Council of Churches (WCC). Paradigm-analysis model suggested by Thomas Kuhn; Implementation of the greek word diakonia as a guiding principle in the WCC's interchurch aid section; Notions of solidarity and mutuality; Development and struggle for social justice.

Editorial. Comments on the human and Christian responsibility of stewardship over creation. Theological appreciation of the human body; Ethical problems of stem cell research and human cloning; Exploration of contexts in the use of the trinitarian formula.