World Council of Churches elects new presidents

The 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches is meeting in Busan (Photo: World Council of Churches)

The World Council of Churches has elected eight new presidents at its 10th Assembly taking place in South Korea.

The presidents were elected during a closed session at its assembly in Busan.

The eight WCC presidents are:
Africa: Reverend Dr Mary Anne Plaatjies van Huffel, Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa
Asia: Reverend Professor Dr Sang Chang, Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea
Europe: Archbishop Anders Wejryd, Church of Sweden
Latin America and Caribbean: Reverend Gloria Nohemy Ulloa Alvarado, Presbyterian Church in Colombia
North America: Bishop Mark MacDonald, Anglican Church of Canada
Pacific: Rev. Dr Mele'ana Puloka, Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga
Eastern Orthodox: HB John X Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East
Oriental Orthodox: HH Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians

They are all ex-officio members of the WCC's Central Committee and will work to promote ecumenism and interpret the work of the WCC, particularly in their respective regions.

The WCC will also elect members of its Central Committee during the assembly.

News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.