1. God, in your grace, transform the world.

2. World Council of Churches
WCC 9th Assembly
Porto Alegre 2006
An introduction
The World Council of Churches is the world's largest ecumenical organization. It aims to promote Christian unity in faith, witness and service. The WCC fellowship counts over 340 Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, united and independent churches in over 100 countries representing more than 550 million Christians.
This presentation is an introduction to the 9th assembly of the WCC.

3. Welcome to the assembly
WCC 9th Assembly 2006
Welcome to the assembly
The WCC’s 9th assembly will meet in Porto Alegre, Brazil from 14 to 23 February 2006
A time of encounter, prayer, celebration and deliberation
A gathering of thousands of Christians from around the world
The 9th assembly of the World Council of Churches will take place in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in early 2006.
The assembly will gather thousands of Christians from around the world for a period of fellowship, prayer and deliberation.
It is among the largest and most representative gatherings of its kind.

4. The tasks of the assembly
WCC 9th Assembly 2006
The tasks of the assembly
The WCC’s highest governing body
Meets every 7 years
Gathers in prayer
Reviews programmes
Determines priorities
Issues a message
Elects Presidium and Central Committee
The assembly is the highest decision-making body of the WCC. It comes together every seven years in prayer and has the task of reviewing programmes, identifying priorities and electing new governing bodies. At the conclusion of its business, the assembly issues a message to churches and congregations around the world.

5. The assembly theme ‘God, in your grace, transform the world’ A prayer
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
The theme of the 9th assembly is ‘God, in your grace, transform the world.’ It is a prayer of intercession before God. The theme speaks of hope and expresses the desire of Christians for a just world and fullness of life for all.

6. Dimensions of the theme
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
The theme serves as the foundation for the spiritual life of the assembly. Each day the theme will be unfolded in prayer and Bible study.

7. The 9th assembly logo Inspired by the assembly theme
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
The logo was designed as a visual and theological expression of the theme. It echoes the design of the WCC’s own symbol of a cross and boat.

8. The symbolism of the logo
WCC 9th Assembly 2006
The symbolism of the logo
The logo, which shows the caring hand of God and a praying hand of humanity, incorporates images of creation, the cross, a dove of peace and the covenant rainbow. The shape and movement suggest a world in the process of renewal and transformation. The colours chosen are red, like the WCC’s own logo, together with the colours of Brazil.

9. The context: Brazil Porto Alegre, Brazil
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
The 9th assembly will be the first assembly held in Latin America. The assembly is being hosted by the National Council of Christian Churches in Brazil (CONIC) on behalf of churches throughout the region.

10. WCC 9th Assembly 2006
Porto Alegre
Porto Alegre is a dynamic and diverse city in south-eastern Brazil. Founded in 1742 by settlers from the Azores, it has welcomed immigrants primarily from Germany, Poland, Spain and Italy.

11. Porto Alegre The state capital of Rio Grande do Sul
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
Porto Alegre is the largest city in southern Brazil, and is the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, which borders Uruguay and Argentina. It sits at the mouth of the Guaiba River with access to the Atlantic coast.
Today the city boasts nearly 1.5 million inhabitants and is an important centre for industry, culture and popular democracy.

12. The 9th assembly venue The Pontifical Catholic University (PUC)
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
The venue chosen for the 9th assembly is the Pontifical Catholic University. It is among the leading educational institutions in the region and has hosted several major international events, including the World Social Forum.

13. WCC 9th Assembly 2006
The 9th assembly venue
The Pontifical Catholic University offers a modern and spacious facility with services to meet all the needs of the assembly.

14. Participation at the assembly
WCC 9th Assembly 2006
Participation at the assembly
Over 700 delegates from more than 340 member churches in 100 countries
Representatives of over 200 councils, agencies and non-member churches
Latin American and Brazilian hosts
Over 1500 visitors and observers
The 9th assembly will gather over 700 delegates from more than 340 Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican, United, and independent member churches. They will be joined by hundreds of delegated representatives from associate councils and ecumenical agencies. The Roman Catholic Church will be represented by an official delegation of observers. The assembly is an open event and is expected to attract up to 1500 additional visitors from Brazil, Latin America and around the world.

15. The 9th assembly programme
WCC 9th Assembly 2006
The 9th assembly programme
Prayer Life
Bible Study
Plenaries
Ecumenical Conversations
Mutirão
Committees
The 9th assembly programme contains several inter-related elements. The entire event will be under-girded by a rich spiritual life of prayer and Bible study.
Key issues facing the churches and the ecumenical movement will be addressed in plenary sessions and further deliberated in a series of ecumenical conversations.
An open partnership programme called ‘Mutirão’ will offer space to church representatives and other participants to share their experiences.
Business sessions, and the assembly committees, will focus on the organization and programmes of the WCC.

16. WCC 9th Assembly 2006
Spiritual life
The assembly will have a rich spiritual and diverse prayer and worship life.

17. A ‘Praying Assembly’ Opening and closing celebrations
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
Grounded in a rich spiritual life of daily prayer, celebration and Bible study, the 9th assembly will be a “praying assembly”. Participants will gather each morning and evening for common prayer under a high tent. After morning prayer delegates will meet in small groups for Bible study. Eucharist services will be offered by various church traditions in the university chapel at midday. The assembly will also be closely linked with the local church life in Porto Alegre.

18. The thematic plenaries
WCC 9th Assembly 2006
The thematic plenaries
Churches’ involvement in …
Economic Justice
focus on viable alternatives
Christian Identity & Pluralism
context of secularism and religious plurality
Church Unity
churches and the future of ecumenism
Latin America
celebration with Latin American churches
Overcoming Violence
mid-decade celebration and renewal
God, in your grace, transform the world
insights on the Assembly theme and message to congregations
Through a series of thematic plenaries, participants will explore some of the major issues facing the ecumenical movement today.
Ranging from justice in the global economy to the unity and witness of the churches today, plenaries will stimulate deliberation among participants. A plenary of celebration with Latin America will help delegates to understand the life and witness of the churches hosting the assembly.
Towards the end of the assembly, participants will reflect on insights they have gained through the assembly and consider the message they will issue to congregations around the world.

19. Ecumenical conversations
WCC 9th Assembly 2006
Ecumenical conversations
Opportunity for sustained dialogue on:
The changing religious and cultural context
The changing ecumenical context
The changing international and political context
The changing social and economic context
Delegates will join “ecumenical conversations” for sustained discussion on a variety of topics related to the life and witness of the church today. Conversations will focus on the changing religious, ecumenical, political, social and economic landscape in which churches and individual Christians are called to act.

20. ‘Mutirão’ – coming together to make a difference
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
An important new element of the 9th assembly will be the Mutirão, which in Portuguese means coming together for a common purpose, coming together to celebrate and to reflect – coming together to make a difference. The Mutirão will offer a diverse programme open to all assembly participants.
Through the ecumenical Mutirão, hundreds of young people, ecumenical partners, ecumenical enthusiasts, congregations and student groups will join the assembly and share in the rich life of the WCC fellowship through worship, Bible studies, seminars and workshops and cultural offerings.
The Mutirão will also provide exhibition space for churches and ecumenical partners to make presentations and to share their experience and work in creative ways.
The ecumenical Mutirão will accompany the assembly delegates and official representatives, expanding the circle of participants. It will be an opportunity to grow and to learn, to meet people from different regions and different traditions, to celebrate and to discern together how to be agents of God’s transforming presence in the world.

21. The assembly business agenda
WCC 9th Assembly 2006
The assembly business agenda
Reports of WCC general secretary and moderator
Admission of new members
Programme and policy committees
Statements on public issues
Decisions by consensus
New central committee
Assembly message
The assembly will have an important working agenda. It will receive reports from both the WCC staff and governing bodies. The assembly will act on requests to join the fellowship of churches. Delegates serving on committees will review the work of the World Council since the Harare Assembly (1998), propose future priorities, policy guidelines and statements on issues of public concern. Though voting procedures have been prepared, decisions will be taken by consensus. The assembly will elect a new central committee from among the participants and will define programmatic priorities.

22. A youth assembly Young people - a central part of assembly life
WCC 9th Assembly 2006
A youth assembly
Young people - a central part of assembly life
Youth camp alongside the assembly
Ecumenical formation
Fresh insights
Youth pre-assembly
Stewards’ programme during assembly
It is hoped that the 9th assembly will have more participants under 30 years of age than at any previous assembly. Such a youthful presence will help to form a new generation of ecumenical leaders and bring fresh insights to current ecumenical dialogue.
The Pre-Assembly Youth Event, just prior to the assembly, will prepare youth delegates for assembly business and sharing. A steward’s programme will involve 150 young people from around the world in the assembly’s life and work.

23. Participate in the 9th 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
The assembly is an opportunity to get involved in a large and exciting ecumenical event. Churches are asked to pray and reflect on the theme, send delegations and propose events for the ‘Mutirâo’ partnership programme. Individuals are welcome to attend as visitors, or to make a contribution in other ways.

24. Assembly website: www.wcc-assembly.info
WCC 9th Assembly 2006
Assembly website:
The assembly website contains a range of useful information and resources. It will be updated regularly between now and the assembly. During the assembly it will contain news from Porto Alegre and liturgical material for congregations wishing to accompany the assembly in prayer.

25. Behind the scenes… A major logistical and human undertaking
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:
The 9th assembly is a major logistical and human undertaking. Two international committees were appointed by the WCC Central Committee to prepare the event. The Assembly Planning Committee has developed the assembly programme. The Assembly Worship Planning Committee has prepared the liturgical celebrations and prayer life. A National Organizing Committee works alongside the churches in Brazil in preparing to host the assembly. Two offices, one in Geneva and one in Porto Alegre, opened in 2004 to support the work of the committees and prepare participants.

26. God, in your grace, transform the world

27. Deus, em tua graça, transforma o mundo
WCC 9th Assembly 2006
Deus, em tua graça, transforma o mundo