World Council of Churches WCC 9th Assembly Porto Alegre 2006 An introduction

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 Welcome to the assembly ü The WCC’s 9th assembly will meet in Porto Alegre, Brazil from 14 to 23 February 2006 ü A time of encounter, prayer, celebration and deliberation ü A gathering of thousands of Christians from around the world

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 The tasks of the assembly ü The WCC’s highest governing body ü Meets every 7 years ü Gathers in prayer ü Reviews programmes ü Determines priorities ü Issues a message ü Elects Presidium and Central Committee

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 The assembly theme ‘God, in your grace, transform the world’ A prayer A sign of hope Socially grounded Spiritually centred Vision of fullness of life and justice for all

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 Dimensions of the theme Through prayer and Bible study the assembly will approach the theme holistically: God, in your grace, transform our world God, in your grace, transform the earth God, in your grace, transform our societies God, in your grace, transform our churches God, in your grace, transform our lives God, in your grace, transform our witness

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 The 9th assembly logo Inspired by the assembly theme In harmony with the oikoumene symbol of the boat and cross Implies unity and diversity A hint of Brazil

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 The symbolism of the logo

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 The context: Brazil Porto Alegre, Brazil Largest country in Latin America Hosted by the Brazilian Council of Churches (CONIC) Diverse cultural and religious context

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 Porto Alegre

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 Porto Alegre The state capital of Rio Grande do Sul Dynamic centre of culture and democracy Population of 1.5 million 25 ethnic groups Diverse church and religious life

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 The 9th assembly venue The Pontifical Catholic University (PUC) Professional conference facility Venue of the World Social Forum 6 km from the city centre Accommodation in hotels Local transportation High quality infastructure

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 The 9th assembly venue

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 Participation at the assembly Representatives of over 200 councils, agencies and non-member churches Latin American and Brazilian hosts Over 1500 visitors and observers Over 700 delegates from more than 340 member churches in 100 countries

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 The 9th assembly programme Prayer Life Bible Study Plenaries Ecumenical Conversations Mutirão Committees

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 Spiritual life

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 A ‘Praying Assembly’ Opening and closing celebrations Common morning and evening prayer Bible study in home groups Mid-day Eucharist services Sunday worship with host congregations

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 The thematic plenaries Churches’ involvement in … Economic Justice ü focus on viable alternatives Christian Identity & Pluralism ü context of secularism and religious plurality Church Unity ü churches and the future of ecumenism Latin America ü celebration with Latin American churches Overcoming Violence ü mid-decade celebration and renewal God, in your grace, transform the world ü insights on the Assembly theme and message to congregations

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 Ecumenical conversations Opportunity for sustained dialogue on: ü The changing religious and cultural context ü The changing ecumenical context ü The changing international and political context ü The changing social and economic context

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 ‘Mutirão’ – coming together to make a difference An open space for ecumenical partners, congregations, student groups and visitors Offering prayer, Bible study, seminars, exhibitions, workshops Living fellowship and shared experience Culture and celebration

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 The assembly business agenda üReports of WCC general secretary and moderator üAdmission of new members üProgramme and policy committees üStatements on public issues üDecisions by consensus üNew central committee üAssembly message

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 A youth assembly üYoung people - a central part of assembly life üYouth camp alongside the assembly üEcumenical formation üFresh insights üYouth pre-assembly üStewards’ programme during assembly

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 Participate in the 9th assembly! Pray for the churches and WCC towards the assembly Organize discussions, Bible studies and events on the assembly theme Attend as a delegate of your church Participate in the ecumenical ‘Mutirão’ partnership event Use the resources on the assembly website Make a donation to support the 9th Assembly

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 Assembly website:

WCC 9th Assembly 2006 Behind the scenes… A major logistical and human undertaking Assembly Planning Committee and Assembly Worship Committee 9th assembly office in Geneva Local coordinator in Porto Alegre Staff and volunteer support Contact:

WCC 9th Assembly 2006