Theme for WCC Assembly invites churches to study justice and peace.

“God of Life, Lead Us to Justice and Peace” is the theme for the World Council of Churches 10th Assembly on Oct. 30-Nov. 8 in Busan, South Korea. Congregations may walk alongside the church delegates preparing to travel to South Korea this fall through use of special study and worship resources titled “Pilgrimage to Busan: An Ecumenical Journey into World Christianity.”

The WCC is an ecumenical fellowship of 345 member denominations representing more than 500 million Christians in over 110 countries. Its general assemblies are considered the largest gathering of Christians worldwide, and occur only once every seven years. WCC assemblies have been key turning points for the worldwide church, times when the Holy Spirit has moved in unexpected ways to guide the Christian movement into new directions of discipleship and witness.

This year’s assembly theme invites congregations to join in study of how the living God leads Christians to seek justice and peace, building on the Decade to Overcome Violence. “Pilgrimage to Busan” is designed for use by study groups, adult forums, or for retreats.

Each unit or "station stop" draws participants into a specific situation--for example that of Orthodox churches in Eastern Europe, or Dalit Christians in India--and focuses on a key theme: Station One: Christian Unity, Station Two: Called to Witness, Station Three: Living with People of Other Faiths, Station Four: Working for God's Justice, Station Five: Praying for Peace, Station Six: Transformative Spirituality for Discipleship.

A leader's guide offers coordinators background on the sites, themes, and issues of each unit, along with links to further resource material. A participant's guide structures the reflection and discussion and suggests possibilities for practical engagement. Download both guides in pdf format from wcc2013.info/en/resources/pilgrimage-to-busan.

Source: 8/8/2013 Newsline