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Jami A. Yandle

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Since 2017, First Unitarian Universalist Society of Syracuse has hosted an annual transformative conference supporting transgender, intersex inclusion and spiritual growth in Unitarian Universalism.

It was with much sadness that I received news of the death of dear Archbishop Anastasios of Albania. I count it as one of the great privileges of my life to have worked closely with him when we were both Presidents of the World Council of Churches from the Assembly at Porto Alegre in 2006 to the Assembly in Busan in 2013. 

Binding frameworks and renewed action are needed to advance gender justice in and through the media 30 years after United Nations member states adopted the Beijing Platform for Action, concluded a parallel event co-organized by WACC at the 69th session of the UN Commission on...

An African Orthodox theologian underlined the significance of the 1700th anniversary of the first Council of Nicaea, and the importance of African Christianity, as activities marking the historical event gain momentum across the world.

Role of Primate and process of electing new Primate outlined in two short videos.

The post Videos inform about Primatial election appeared first on The Anglican Church of Canada.

A diverse group of nearly 50 church leaders, representatives of various faith traditions, ecumenical organizations, Indigenous communities, and climate experts are gathered in Brazil's capital from 18-20 March to coordinate efforts for meaningful engagement in the lead-up to COP30, the 2025 United Nations Climate Conference. Their central concern: ensuring that local voices are heard.

Washington, D.C.—CWS today announced that the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (A.M.E. Zion) had committed to joining Church World Service as a Covenant Member. The A.M.E. Zion Church is the 15th faith-based organization to commit to Covenant Membership with CWS, together representing more than 10 million people of faith across the United States and Canada. CWS celebrates this partnership and ... Read More

[Anglican Communion News Service] The Anglican Communion Office has announced the appointment of the Rt. Rev. Victor Atta-Baffoe as the new chair of the Commission for Theological Education in the Anglican Communion. He is bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Cape Coast, Ghana, and replaces the Most Rev. Howard Gregory of Jamaica, who retired at the end of 2024. The commission was created in February 2022, following approval from the Anglican Consultative Council’s Standing Committee. It aims to build upon and expand the work previously undertaken by Theological Education in the Anglican Communion, enhancing networking across seminaries and churches, and developing online resources. Currently, 38 provinces have a nominated CTEAC commissioner. Speaking of his appointment, Atta-Baffoe said, “As I step into the role of chair of CTEAC, I do so with a deep sense of humility, responsibility and hope. Theological education is not merely an academic exercise but a vital means of equipping the church for faithful witness, discipleship and mission. It forms the heart of how we understand and live out our faith in a world that is constantly changing. “…I believe that theological education plays a vital role in fostering dialogue among Anglicans across the world. In a communion marked by both diversity and shared faith, CTEAC has the opportunity to serve as a bridge – helping to connect different theological perspectives, cultural contexts and expressions of Anglican identity. Theological education is not just about imparting knowledge. It is about shaping how we think, pray and relate to one another. CTEAC can help Anglicans understand one another more deeply and engage with both commonalities and differences in faith.” Prior to his election and consecration in 2014, Atta-Baffoe was the dean of St. Nicholas Theological Seminary in Cape Coast for 12 years. He was a member of the Inter-Anglican Doctoral and Theological Commission and Covenant Design Group, and he also was a recipient of the Lambeth St. Augustine’s Cross Award for “Outstanding Lifelong Service to the Church and Society through Theological Education and Ecumenical Relations.” He is also a member of the Judicial Council of the Republic of Ghana. He is also chair of the governing council of the Anglican Network of Institutions of Theological Education Preparing Anglicans for Ministry. He was a member of the “Bishops in Dialogue” consultation and the Inter-Anglican Standing Commission on Unity, Faith and Order. He is a member of the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission. The Rev. Stephen Spencer, director of theology and implementation for the Anglican Communion, welcomed Atta-Baffoe to his new position, saying,  “I am delighted that the Rt. Rev. Victor Atta-Baffoe has agreed to be chair of CTEAC. Bishop Victor has an extraordinary background in theological education and ecumenism, and has a wealth of experience in the commissions arena, having previously served on other Anglican Communion commissions such as IASCUFO. I know that Bishop Victor will guide CTEAC wisely during the next season of its work and look forward to the fruits of that future work.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering peace in Colombia, the World Council of Churches (WCC) has announced a transition in its representation in that country’s peace process.

[World Council of Churches] World Council of Churches general secretary the Rev. Jerry Pillay expressed deep alarm and grief over the deadly attack on Gaza carried out by Israeli forces March 17-18, killing more than 400 people, as well as airstrikes by the United States in Yemen. “We unequivocally condemn this unnecessary re-escalation of violence, which has led to more deaths and further suffering for innocent civilians, including women and children,” he said about Gaza. “As a fellowship of churches committed to justice and peace, we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a renewed commitment to dialogue and diplomatic solutions.” Pillay also said the people of Yemen, like those in Gaza, deserve security, dignity and the opportunity to live free from fear and violence. “We also strongly condemn the recent U.S. airstrikes on Yemen, which have further destabilized the region and inflicted additional suffering on an already vulnerable population,” he said. “Military action cannot be a path to peace; rather, it exacerbates humanitarian crises and deepens cycles of conflict.” Read Pillay’s full statement here.