World Council of Churches books

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Axis of Peace: Christian Faith in Times of Violence and War. (Risk Book Series). S Wesley Ariarajah. 137pp WCC (2004)  $39.95

The war in Iraq is over, and we are now facing its aftermath. The searching and divisive questions raised for the churches by the invasion of Iraq linger on. Are there "just wars"? What does the Bible teach about war and violence? What constitutes patriotism when one’s nation is at war? Is there theological justification for wars of self-defence or liberation? S. Wesley Ariarajah explores these questions to facilitate ongoing conversation in faith communities. Surveying instances of violence in many regions of the globe, often involving confrontation between religious communities, Ariarajah examines what violence does to those who perpetrate it on others. Moving beyond simplistic notions of 'good' and 'evil' in world affairs, he calls on peoples of faith to counter terror in all its forms through the creation of an 'axis of peace'.

Building Peace: Overcoming Violence in Communities (Risk Book Series). Mary Yoder Holsopple, Ruth E Krall and Sharon Weaver Pittman. 109pp WCC (2004) $27.95

Three North American professional women with wide international experience offer practical, step-by-step guidance for overcoming violence and building a culture of peace. Using paradigms that have proved successful in the disciplines of public health and community development, they address the problem of violence as an epidemic that is threatening our families’ lives and health. Moving beyond theory and demographic analysis, the authors offer a leadership manual for assisting communities as they envision and begin to realize a culture of peace. Drawing on their ongoing work in the United States, they provide readers with useful models of positive peace-building in our time.

Christian Perspectives On Theological Anthropology 60pp WCC (2005) $23.00

Anthropology - the understanding of human nature - is a vital aspect of the Christian faith. Christians affirm that human beings are made “in the image of God”. We are, each and every one us, of infinite worth, made for life in relationship with God and with each other. But what does that affirmation mean today? How can Christians confront today’s challenges to traditional understandings of human nature, and respond to the widespread assaults on human dignity and worth? This book is the result of a wide-ranging study by the commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches. It brings Christian understandings of the human person into critical conversation with cutting-edge issues from genetic engineering and artificial intelligence, to poverty and HIV/AIDS, to disabilities and gender identity. The book culminates with Ten Affirmations on Human Nature, offered as a basis for common reflection and action. It will be a valuable resource for Christians and churches seeking to understand - and defend - the human person in today’s complex and changing world.

Christianity: A History In The Middle East. Habib Badr ed. 934pp., (translation of the Arabic version published by Middle East Council of Churches, 2001), WCC 2005. $160.00

“It is still generally taken for granted… that the history of Christianity is essentially European history, and that beyond Europe’s immediate eastern borders lies a homogeneous Muslim world… Here… in comprehensive and accessible form, is a unique survey of this [Christian Middle Eastern] heritage, written by first-class scholars and by those who best know the Eastern Mediterranean world from within… This is a very significant book indeed for all, Christians or non-Christians, who want a better understanding not only of the Middle East but of the whole of our contemporary cultural and religious scene.”  Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury

“Missionary engagement and theological creativity; interaction with other religions, cultures and civilizations and promotion of justice, peace and freedom; diaconal action and martyria in life and in death have marked the long, complex and rich history of Eastern Christendom… This book is a serious and bold attempt to provide a unique perspective on various dimensions and spheres of the churches’ life in the Middle East.”  Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia and Moderator of the WCC

“Authors belonging to various ecclesial traditions trace together the history of Christianity in the Middle East. Their common approach reveals to what extent ‘unity in diversity’ has been a meaningful gift, as much as it remains a demanding challenge to the historic lands where Christianity first spread.”  Walter Cardinal Kasper, President, Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity

Churches in International Affairs: Reports 1995-1998. Dwain C Epps, Ed. 348pp. WCC (2002). $54.95

This seventh volume of "The Churches in International Affairs" reproduces basic documents related to the work of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, the development of ecumenical policy and the actions taken by the World Council of Churches in the field of international affairs between 1995 and 1998. The scope of the WCC's authority in this field is clarified as follows: "Through its public statements the WCC provides assessments of national and international events and political trends, recommends actions to member churches, communicates pastoral concern, expresses ecumenical solidarity, and makes representations and issues appeals to particular governments and intergovernmental bodies." The Council's' constitution and rules explicitly state that the 'authority [of its statements] will consist only in the weight which they carry by their own truth and wisdom." A detailed list of contents classifies statements by theme (e.g. human rights, peace and disarmament, and by region/country).

Coming to Consensus: A Case Study for Churches. (Risk Book Series No.103)  Jill Tabart. 78pp WCC (2003) $24.95

The author relates the experience of the Uniting Church in Australia in moving to the use of the consensus method in making decisions, from the birth of the idea to the model used currently, a process of several years during which constant evaluation aided continuous improvement. 'Coming to Consensus' is a resource for church councils at every level as they seek an authentically Christian method for discussing contested issues and discerning ways to move forward together.

Eighth Report of the Joint Working Group Between the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches: Geneva-Rome 2005. 120pp WCC (2005). $32.95

This overview of WCC-RCC relations between 1999 and 2005 outlines discussion and collaboration in areas such as inter-religious dialogue, ecumenical formation, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, interchurch marriage, violence, refugees and migration, and diakonia and development. It includes three study documents: ecclesiological and ecumenical implications of a common baptism; the nature and purpose of ecumenical dialogue; and "Inspired by the same vision": RC participation in national and regional councils of churches.

Faces Of The Other: A Contribution To Inter-Religious Relations And Dialogue. By The Group “Thinking Together” 64pp WCC (Dec 2005) $32.00

How can we, in the midst of our religious diversity, express common convictions and explore core issues present in all our religious traditions?The people of different faiths who constitute the multi-religious think-tank called “Thinking Together”, brought together by the WCC, are open to focusing together on some of the basic issues of belief and religion. This book carries a story from each religious tradition represented in the group, which reflects how that tradition has wrestled with how to look upon the other. The group hopes that these stories will contribute to a new reading of those dimensions in our religious traditions that help us provide or create space for the other as a significant other.

Faith and Order at the Crossroads: Kuala Lumpur 2004 - The Plenary Commission Meeting. (Faith and Order Series, 196). Thomas F Best, Ed. 467pp WCC (2005). $64.95

This book is the official record of the Faith and Order plenary commission meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2004 on the theme "Receive one another, as Christ has received you, for the glory of God" (Rom. 15:7). "Faith and Order" exists to help the churches overcome the sources -- theological, historical and social -- of their division. For the commission (probably the most diverse church-based theological forum in the world) it was the second meeting in Asia, and the first in a Muslim-majority country. Hosted by the Council of Churches of Malaysia, the meeting heard challenging addresses by the prime minister of Malaysia and by the general secretary of the WCC, introductions to key theological themes and to Faith and Order studies, and substantial Bible studies. This volume includes explorations of issues as diverse as the nature of the church, the nature of human nature, baptism, the relation of ethnic and national identities to Christian unity, the interpretation of biblical texts and Christian symbols, theological perspectives on peace and violence, the relation of inter-religious dialogue to the search for Christian unity, and -- not least -- the future of Faith and Order itself. It is indispensable as a stimulus to further work on Christian unity today.

Grace In Abundance: Orthodox Reflections On The Way To Porto Alegre. Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima ed. 144pp WCC (2005) $34.95

In January 2005 representatives of the 22 Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches belonging to the World Council of Churches gathered on the island of Rhodes in Greece, to prepare for their participation in the ninth assembly of the WCC, to be held in February 2006 at Porto Alegre, Brazil. Theological presentations focused on the theme of the assembly, “God, in your grace, transform the world”. The programme featured prayer, meditation and visits to monasteries and local Christian communities. This volume is the report of the gathering, reflecting its review of recent discussions on the participation of member churches in the WCC, proposals for a new approach to decision-making at the ninth assembly, as well as a call for spiritual transformation of the modern world.

Handbook Of Churches And Councils: Profiles Of Ecumenical Relationships. Huibert van Beek, compiler 638pp WCC (2006) $89.95

It has often been said – and rightly so – that the World Council of Churches is first and foremost a fellowship of churches. This book is a vivid illustration of that reality. The descriptions, lists, statistical data and other information presented in these pages give a striking picture of the extent and diversity of this fellowship. It encompasses a Christian population of some 590 million people, in close to 150 countries in all regions of the world, comprised of over 520,000 local congregations served by some 493,000 pastors and priests, as well as countless elders, teachers, members of parish councils and others.

Healing As Empowerment: Discovering Grace in Community. Usha Jesudasan and Gert Rüppell. Colour photos. 92pp. WCC (2005). $29.95

This book offers a collection of stories from Christian communities, as reported to consultations on healing ministries held in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Faith healing and spiritual cures have formed a part of Christian ministry from the time of Jesus. Yet to many, these practices smack of magic, mysticism and irrational beliefs that seem deeply alien to Western patterns of religion. Conversely, these Western patterns strike some Christians in other parts of the world as the dry fruits of aging, shrinking churches that are losing contact with the living source of healing power. It is in the midst of this tension that the world’s greatest contemporary pandemic, HIV/AIDS, is challenging all the churches and changing concepts of what healing ministry means. The call to healing is also a call for change in the relationship of Christians and their churches to others around them, and to the world itself. Positive responses to this calling offer potential for life-transforming empowerment in the lives of individuals and in the life of the world.

Interpreting Disability: A Church of All and For All (Risk Book Series) Arne Fritzson and Samuel Kabue. 90pp WCC (2004). $27.95

This is an exploration of the relationship between Christian churches and persons with disabilities, drawing on personal stories of the lives of the two authors and other members of the Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network (EDAN). Written for lay readers, the book acknowledges the great challenge of communicating human experience across differences in culture and language, as well as across varying degrees of physical and mental ability. Ultimately, the authors raise the theological question of what it is that all human beings have in common. The authors provided leadership for a consultative process that resulted in adoption of the World Council of Churches' policy statement on disability, "A Church of All and for All." The text of that document, included here, provides a strong argument for full participation and active involvement by people with disabilities in every aspect of the spiritual, social and developmental life of the churches.

Journey Of Hope: Towards A New Ecumenical Africa. Nicholas Otieno with Hugh McCullum 210pp. WCC (2006) $42.00

At the eighth assembly of the World Council of Churches in Zimbabwe in 1998, the powerful political drama entitled “A Journey of Hope” was the beginning of a pilgrimage of conversion, commitment, and above all accompaniment with Africa. The churches and their peoples agreed that the focus on Africa would be one of wholehearted support, including: an emphasis on transformation of Africa’s social, political and economic systems in order to create a just society; a search for peace and reconciliation between people and communities; a fight to help contain and overcome the scourge of HIV/AIDS; an emphasis on good governance, ethical values and stewardship; and the rights of African children to hope for a bright future. This book is a story of people who have vowed never again to walk on tiptoe: people who will never again submit to humiliation.

Keeping The Faith. Peter Williams. 64pp fully illustrated in colour WCC (2006) $49.00

 This striking book explores, in word and image, the reality of the living church throughout the oikoumene – the whole inhabited earth. It offers a glimpse of the extraordinary and rich diversity of the Christian world. In powerful visuals and short texts, the stories of people from various churches, communities and cultures are brought to life in a captivating way, and provide windows on the lives of people working, praying, studying and living together, facing their future with joy and pain, and keeping their faith in hope.

Listen To The Women! Listen To The Earth! (Risk Book Series no. 111) Aruna Gnanadason. 130pp WCC (2005). $27.95

This book appeals for a holistic Christian approach to the stewardship of creation. It seeks common ground between the commitment to social justice within third-world liberation theologies and the environmental consciousness characteristic of eco-feminist theologies. Gnanadason begins her study with concrete examples of the struggles of Indigenous peoples, and especially women, to preserve traditions of prudent care for the earth in opposition to the modern ideal of “development” prized by multinational corporations, neo-liberal financial institutions and many national governments. She cites examples of “eco-systems peoples” who challenge the economic doctrines that nature is an object to be exploited and natural resources are commodities to be bartered, and proceeds to argue for a global ethic of care for the earth, an ethic of resistance that shows appreciation for both social and ecological concerns related to the integrity of God's creation.

Listening with Love: Pastoral Counselling: A Christian Response to People Living with HIV/AIDS. Father Robert Igo, OSB. 127pp WCC (2005) $29.95

HIV/AIDS has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. For those infected with the disease, and their families, friends and neighbours, living with AIDS is often especially difficult because of the ignorance, fear and prejudice they encounter. Those who live with HIV/AIDS can feel isolated and ashamed, unable to talk to others, unable to express their feelings, unable to voice their fears for themselves and their loved ones. The care and counselling of those living with HIV/AIDS can seem a immensely difficult task. 'Listening with Love' is designed for all those Christians who are called to help people cope with HIV/AIDS. Step by step, it introduces us to the basic medical facts, and guides us through practical, loving approaches that enable us to empathise and communicate with those whose lives have been transformed by the disease. Using everyday language and case studies that reveal the kinds of issues and problems that counsellors typically face, this Bible-based manual helps us discover within ourselves and those to whom we talk the confidence, respect and hope that can help people living with HIV/AIDS overcome their fears.

Nature And Mission Of The Church: A Stage On The Way To A Common Statement (Faith and Order paper 198) 70pp WCC (2005) $22.00

What is the church, and what is it for? For all the remarkable advances in understanding and cooperation among the churches, such questions remain at the heart of the ecumenical movement today. And they are central to the work of Faith and Order, as perhaps the most inclusive and diverse church-based theological forum in the world. Building on the churches' and other reactions to earlier ecumenical work - especially "The Nature and Purpose of the Church" (1998) – this Faith and Order study document is a substantial, new text offered for discussion and response. Reflecting what the churches can say together about the nature of the church; identifying honestly the issues which still divide the churches; offering a framework for the churches in their common confession, life and witness - this book will be an important resource for all who care about the nature and mission of the church today.

Nurturing Peace: Theological Reflections On Overcoming Violence. (Risk Book Series). Deenabandhu Manchala ed. 96pp WCC (2005) $27.95

Nurturing Peace presents a series of theological reflections in support of the World Council of Churches’ Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV), 2001-2010. In an era of conflict, injustice and inhumanity, churches and other religious organizations are renewing their efforts to “seek the things that make for peace”. As part of the DOV initiative, the WCC has sponsored a series of ecumenical consultations on overcoming violence. This book contains a discussion of insights and challenges that have arisen during the course of consultations conducted under the auspices of the WCC’s Commission on Faith and Order. They address such subjects as:

·         Affirming human dignity and the integrity of creation

·         Reawakening the church’s responsibility regarding the use and abuse of power

·         Being peacebearers and becoming peacemakers

The reflections invite people of faith to become more deeply involved in confronting the spirit of a violent age. They describe the “foretaste of grace” that is our hope for God’s transformation of the world.

O Acompanhamento: Ecumenical Action For Human Rights In Latin America 1970-1990 Charles R. Harper 148pp WCC (2006) $34.00 

In the 1960s and early 1970s military dictatorships and juntas replaced elected civilian governments across Latin America. This book relates stories of Christians and their churches as they engaged in the struggle to uphold human rights, including the most basic human right to life itself. The book is a testament of courage and hope in face of the humiliation, torture and murder or “disappearance” of dissidents. It tells of ordinary men and women who stood up for justice and righteousness in unexpected ways. It shows how the region’s churches, and Christians throughout the world acting through the World Council of Churches, provided the oppressed people of Latin America practical “accompaniment” (o acompanhamento, in the Portuguese of Brazil). The narrative aims at strengthening common memory of the churches’ part in Latin America’s recovery of human rights, especially among a younger generation that may be unaware of this chapter in ecumenical history.

One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic: Ecumenical Reflections on the Church (Faith and Order Paper 157) Tamara Grdzelidze, Editor. 270pp. WCC (2005). $54.95

Stands in continuity with such ecumenical documents as Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry (BEM) in examining aspects of ecclesiology, the theological understanding of the church. The chapters consist of contributions by authors from many Christian traditions to the study process culminating in the report of the dialogue, The Nature and Mission of the Church. Twenty-four theologians and church leaders provide multiple perspectives on the issues of the church’s sacramentality, authority and ordained ministry. Drawing on more than 75 years of Faith and Order conversations, especially on the principles of convergence discerned in the BEM process, the book identifies areas of agreement and challenges posed for churches as they seek common ground. This volume traces the next steps in dialogue and provides a resource to aid reception of the results as Christian communities frame their own discussions of what it means to be the church.

Orthodox Witness Today. Bishop Hilarion Alfeyev 244pp WCC (2006) $44.95

This anthology of essays is an exploration of Christianity and secularization in contemporary society, expressed in the author’s distinctive voice. He provides a broad view of central issues in inter-Orthodox, Orthodox-Protestant and Orthodox-Catholic dialogues. The book describes Christian churches and ecumenical bodies that are under pressure both from modern culture and due to their own, internal struggles. Social forces of secularization act on churches and individuals, causing faith to become more personal as religion is robbed of its proper public role. Some respond to modernity by trying to revise traditional standards of belief and practice. The contrast between such theological experimentation and the preservation of  tradition is seen as a fundamental source of the churches’ disunity. Drawing on extensive experience of ecumenical encounters, the bishop calls for the opening of “a true dialogue, not just a monologue”, a dialogue in which “we must be able not only to criticize others, but also to be self-critical”.

Participating In God’s Mission Of Reconciliation: A Resource For Churches In Situations Of Conflict (Faith and Order paper no. 201) 72pp. WCC (2006) $24.95

Many of today’s conflicts reflect the tension between ethnic groups or nations. In such situations, Christians and the churches are called to be agents of reconciliation. But sometimes the “fault lines” between the churches coincide with – rather than challenge and heal – those in society. In their division, the churches often mirror, or even intensify, tensions between particular ethnic groups and nations. The results are often destructive, even deadly. This study draws on biblical scholarship, theological reflection, and social scientific research as well as the experience and reflection of local churches in Fiji, the Sudan, Northern Ireland, Sri Lanka and elsewhere. Grounded in the imperative for unity, it offers theological and practical resources for Christians and churches in situations of conflict. Relating the search for Christian unity to the church’s work for just reconciliation and healing, this book will be a valuable tool for churches, ecumenical study groups, local congregations – for all who seek to offer a Christian witness in the midst of conflict.

Receive One Another: Hospitality in Ecumenical Perspective. (Risk Book Series, 110). Diane C Kessler, Ed. 87pp WCC (2005) $27.95

This book is about ecumenical hospitality - those "generous and cordial actions between hosts and guests" that foster the healing of divisions among Christians and their churches for the sake of the world. What is the history of hospitality as found in the Bible? In Christian tradition? What are the theological reasons for its exercise? What does it look like when practised well? What are some guidelines for the exercise of ecumenical hospitality for hosts? For guests? What is the relationship between hospitality and spirituality? What are its fruits in furthering the quest for Christian unity? The authors offer guidelines and good practices, and encourage Christians to be intentional about the exercise of ecumenical hospitality. This book expands our appreciation for the ways Christians are called to love each other, to receive one anothers’ ideas and to stretch our understanding of the abundant nature of God’s love.

Religions Today: Their Challenge To The Ecumenical Movement. Julio de Santa Ana ed. 316pp WCC (2005) $52.00

Religions Today analyzes the place of faith communities in the contemporary world and the continuing impact of religions on modernity. Building on research by such scholars as José Casanova, Philip Jenkins and S.N. Eisenstadt, this anthology examines the interplay of traditional religion with the process of modernization, and the influences that each of these forces exerts on the other.For more than six years, the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey, Switzerland, has sponsored a study process on religious life in today’s world and its challenges to the ecumenical movement. Participants from various Christian traditions and regions of the world have drawn on this experience in Religions Today.

The authors’ goals include:

•  contributing to a better understanding of religious life throughout the world;

•  confronting modern issues raised in the context of religion;

•  acknowledging the complexity of related problems and the various responses to them;

•  exploring the possibilities of an ecumenical approach to inter-religious dialogue, while recognizing many weaknesses and failings that have been exposed through past experience.

Addressing topics ranging from secularization to religious fundamentalism, the authors weigh the potential of Christian churches and the ecumenical movement in addressing the realities of our time.

Responsibility To Protect: Ethical And Theological Reflections. Semegnish Asfaw, Guillermo Kerber and Peter Weiderud eds. 154pp. WCC (2005) $36.95

After the humanitarian failures of the 1990s, the issue of “humanitarian intervention” nourished most of the debates of that decade. With the beginning of this century, this topic was reformulated into the concept of “the responsibility to protect”, thus shifting the debate from the viewpoint of the interveners to that of the people in peril. The responsibility to protect is a new and controversial issue in many intellectual and political spheres. While some believe that the use of military force as a last  resort  should  not be avoided when it can alleviate or stop large-scale human-rights violations, others hold that any military intervention, even for humanitarian purposes, can only lead to a worsening of the situation. In April 2005, the WCC’s Commission of the Churches  on International Affairs (CCIA) organized a high-level seminar aimed at advising the WCC on this issue both from a theological and ethical stand, as well as from political perspectives. This publication is a compilation of the papers presented by the participants, together with some background documentation. It is hoped that this publication will be used as a basis for consultation and action by a wide range of actors, including churches, church-related groups, theologians, politicians, diplomats, academic researchers, inter-faith dialogue actors, etc.

Springs of Living Water: Bible Studies on Grace and Transformation. (Risk Book Series). 60pp WCC (2005) $24.95

This book offers a series of seven biblical commentaries by Christian authors from varied cultural settings and regions of the world. Passages of scripture have been selected to provide biblically oriented perspectives on the theme of the ninth assembly of the World Council of Churches, 'God, in your grace, transform the world'. The assembly, to be held in February 2006 at Porto Alegre, Brazil, provides an opportunity for Christians everywhere to contemplate the nature of God’s grace and the ways in which God is transforming the world. Readers and local groups are invited to hear the voices and consider the experience of the interpreters writing in 'Springs of Living Water'. Each chapter concludes with suggestions for further discussion and the question: How does this Bible study help us understand and respond to the theme, ‘God, in your grace, transform the world’? The answers will challenge Christians at many levels with invitations to action in support of faithful witness, unity, justice, service and peace.

Telling Our Story – Living Our Faith: Women In The Churches Worldwide. Elisabeth Raiser and Barbara Robra. DVD 36 mins, NTSC/PAL, format:4/3, English. WCC (2006) $43.00

Six women from different regions of the world relate the key experiences of their lives. They talk about their faith and how the worldwide ecumenical community has strengthened them in their commitment, about overcoming violence and healing, and about justice and peace. Water as a source of life serves as the link between the women’s testimonies. The film targets students in the process of theological formation, groups working on the issue of overcoming violence, women’s groups, ecumenical groups and Christian congregations. By tracing the spiritual journey of some outstanding women in the ecumenical movement, it can stimulate reflections on faith and the challenge to overcome violence today. A brochure with brief portraits of the women and questions for group discussion is included.

The Threat Of Tourism: Challenge To The Church (Risk series). Ron O’Grady 106pp WCC (Mar 2006) $29.95

The Threat of Tourism looks behind the glossy advertising of exotic locations, highlighting a number of issues that are becoming increasingly acute: tourism’s contribution to ecological damage, forced changes in cultures, violation of human rights, the growth of the global sex industry. The church has to deal with tourism, too: historic sanctuaries are suffering irreparable wear and tear, and Christians in developing countries are seeing their customs under threat.

The World Tourism Organization upholds a code of ethics for tour operators, and a code of conduct for tourists, first drawn up thirty years ago by the Christian Conference of Asia, is now widely used. The author reflects on principles of a moral approach to tourism: “If we travel with an attitude of respect for people and the environment, plus recognition of the economic and social rights of those visited, we have covered most of the critical situations which will arise.”

The author: Ron O’Grady serves in the ministry of a multicultural uniting church in Auckland, New Zealand. He has been deeply involved in the movement against child sex tourism.

Virtual Christianity: Potential and Challenge for the Churches (Risk Book Series). Jean-Nicolas Bazin and Jérôme Cottin.123pp WCC (2004) $32.95

How is the emerging Internet culture affecting Christian churches? How can churches influence the formation of the "virtual" world? Should we expect to find a new form of Christian faith evolving on the web, or simply to encounter a fresh means of experiencing Christian traditions? To what extent must churches resist tendencies present in the new media? Using both theoretical and practical approaches, the authors look at interactions between the churches and the Internet. They examine new information and communication technologies, and the philosophies -- secular and religious -- that accompany them; suggest ways in which Christian communities can realise the Internet’s potential for supporting and strengthening the church’s witness; and give examples of how websites may assist in the rediscovery of the gospel and inspire worship based in Christianity’s unique vision of God’s relationship to humanity.

Why Me?: Learning to Live in Crises. Erika Schuchardt. Colour illus. 142pp. WCC (2005) $44.95.

People affected by crises describe their successful -- or unsuccessful -- attempts at living with their crises, their struggles with God and the people around them, and their experiences with professional support and counselling in fellowship. By analysing over 2000 life-histories covering a century, and through her decades of experience in crisis counselling, the author has discovered a way to work through crisis which she describes here -- illustrated by the image of the ascending spiral. She also draws our attention to people who support others in their crises and are themselves changed in the process, becoming able to live their lives creatively and actively.

With a Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power: Seventh International Consultation of United and Uniting Churches. Thomas F Best, Ed. 182pp. WCC (2004). $44.95.

The United and Uniting churches are very diverse in their theology and church life, but one in their commitment to making Christian unity visible today. This book forms the official record of the seventh international consultation of United and Uniting churches. The consultation brought trenchant reflections on issues which challenge all churches today: the meaning of unity in a world which prefers division; the imperative of a mission which promotes unity rather than division; and the church's identity at a time when institutions and values are under threat. In addition to these themes, the consultation message tackles the crucial ecumenical issue of relationships, calling for fresh and frank dialogue between the United and Uniting churches, their mission and funding partners, and the Christian world communions. Including contributions from the Netherlands, Ghana and the United Kingdom, South Africa, Jamaica, Australia, the United States, and India, this book offers a testimony to the vitality of the church union movement and a challenge to all those concerned for the church's unity, life and mission today.

Women: Witnesses of Hope: WCC Ecumenical Women’s Solidarity Fund in Former Yugoslavia 1993-2003. Carolyn Boyd, Alexander Belopopsky, Jeanne Becher and Silvia Eggli, Eds. Clour illus. 48pp WCC (2005). $33.95

The World Council of Churches' Ecumenical Women's Solidarity Fund (EWSF) is a project fund used by women for women in the countries of former Yugoslavia with the aim of restoring hope, promoting reconciliation and human dignity, and enabling people regardless of their ethnicity, religion or origin, to rebuild their lives and communities affected by the devastating wars and their consequences in this region. In 2003, the EWSF celebrated its tenth anniversary in the service of victims of war. This publication is a collection of personal accounts from local women who are either beneficiaries or implementing partners of the EWSF -- one woman and one account of her personal courage and vision to mark each year of the Fund. The book shares some of the light which has shone in the darkness of the conflicts in this region: the courage and strength of women’s spirit. It is also a form of thanksgiving to the churches and ecumenical family for the support and solidarity to the women and children there who have endured so much.

Worlds of Memory and Wisdom: Encounters of Jews and African Christians. Jean Halpérin and Hans Ucko, Eds. 161pp WCC (2005). $43.95.

This book reflects a fascinating chapter in a genuinely intercultural dialogue, conducted on an equal footing, at the highest level of intellectual integrity. The texts come out of three Jewish-Christian consultations held in Africa, all aiming at focusing on subjects pointing to a commonality of concerns and purpose. Any topic that could hint at suspicion of superiority, precedence or domination was carefully avoided, and the dialogue was shaped along different lines than those usually followed in similar Jewish-Christian consultations held in Europe and America over the past half-century. In Nairobi, discussions were devoted to ancient wisdom in both cultures and its value for contemporary life; the understanding of scripture; and creation in both cultures. In Johannesburg debate centred on family, community and tradition as a way to the future and dealt with fundamental questions common to both cultures: the encounter with the age of modernity; preserving traditional family life; sustaining a sense of community; maintaining and reinforcing religious heritage and cultural tradition in the face of disintegration and dissipation. The third consultation, in Yaoundé, looked at shalom and ubuntu, memory and experiences of violence, and the challenge of peace-building. The texts included in this book provide ample food for thought. They will remain of lasting value as a source of inspiration and sound reflection.

Worship Today: Understanding, Practice, Ecumenical Implications. Thomas F Best and Dagmar Heller, Editors 326pp WCC 2004. $59.95.

Worship is central to the church and to the churches; and issues of common worship are central to the ecumenical movement. Yet many discussions of worship reveal a lack of detailed knowledge about what unites, and divides, the churches in their worship today. This book offers a wide-ranging and fascinating survey of the contemporary state of Christian worship. Some thirty liturgists, theologians, church leaders and pastors present their church's current understanding and practice of worship. The impact of the liturgical renewal and ecumenical movements on worship is considered. Two ecumenical communities, Iona and Grandchamp, explain how their distinctive worship life is rooted in Christian tradition, and two essays reflect on the significance of worship in ecumenical contexts. In a concluding section, five prominent liturgists reflect on the current state of Christian worship and on opportunities and challenges facing the churches, both individually and ecumenically, in their worship today.

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