Inaugural face-to-face meeting of the Ecumenical Diakonia Reference Group in Yerevan, Armenia

Event

Inaugural face-to-face meeting of the Ecumenical Diakonia Reference Group in Yerevan, Armenia

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is hosting the inaugural meeting of the Ecumenical Diakonia Reference Group from 30 September to 2 October, in Yerevan, Armenia.

8 March 2024, Geneva, Switzerland: Rev. Pauliina Parhiala (FELM), member of the World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Diakonia Reference Group, shares a word of reflection at an inaugural Joint Meeting of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA), the Commission on Health and Healing (CHH), and the Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development (CCJSD) of the World Council of Churches.

This significant gathering will convene key figures in diaconal work from across the ecumenical spectrum to reflect on current challenges, explore new strategies, and strengthen partnerships in response to global crises such as climate change, poverty, and conflict.

The event marks a crucial moment for WCC’s diaconal mission, grounded in the theological reflection "Called to Transformation – Ecumenical Diakonia," and aims to develop actionable plans for the future.

This event is part of the broader WCC Living Planet Programme and connects with WCC’s ongoing collaboration with the ACT Alliance and regional ecumenical organizations.

Key events:

Opening worship and remarks (30 September)
Panels on ecumenical diakonia and global challenges:
- Eco-diakonia (1 October): Addressing climate refugees and health in the context of climate change.
- Decolonising Diakonia (1 October): Discussing the need for localising and contextualising diaconal work.
Group Discussions and Planning: Developing a comprehensive action plan for 2024-2026.
Field Visit: Exploring a local diakonia project to witness hands-on transformation (1 October).