WEA

The World Evangelical Alliance opened a new office in Geneva, Switzerland this week as part of long-term efforts to strengthen the voice of the Persecuted Church, as well as to influence world leaders in the neighboring United Nations.

The new office was opened by the network of evangelical bodies in partnership with the Swiss Evangelical Alliance (l'Alliance évangélique suisse).

“In a day of growing global complexities it is critical that WEA increases its impact on the global stage,” said Geoff Tunnicliffe, International Director of the World Evangelical Alliance." Opening an office in Geneva will provide another resource to more effectively influence world and thought leaders. more >>

World Evangelical Alliance Mission Commission (WEA-MC) Executive Director Dr. William Taylor officially handed over leadership of the global mission body to Brazilian missionary Bertil Ekstrom after serving in the position for 20 years.

“I have no doubt that heaven is smiling, and that God’s eyes are on this place,” said Ndaba Mazabane, Chairman of the WEA International Council and South African native in a statement released by the WEA on Thursday. “The world may be watching [the World Cup] in Germany, but all the angels have been instructed to put their eyes on this great service.” Taylor has served the Mission Commission since 1986, and has brought significant growth to the once-fledgling network, which now boasts membership from over 80 countries around the world.

“There were challenging times,” Taylor reminisced. “There were times when we thought we may have to close the MC down because of these challenges.” more >>

The World Evangelical Alliance added Integral Alliance as its newest affiliate member last week.

“We are delighted that the Integral Alliance has become an affiliate of World Evangelical Alliance,” said Geoff Tunnicliffe, International Director of the WEA in an announcement released on June 8. “As a WEA global partner, Integral brings great strength and expertise in church-based relief and development work.”

Integral is a global alliance of 12 independent Christian relief and development agencies working together to present a more effective response to poverty worldwide. Its member agencies are based in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia, and work in 99 countries, fund more than 1,000 projects and have a joint annual turnover of over US $200 million. more >>

WASHINGTON – Days away from the Capitol rally to stop the genocide in Darfur, the head of the World Evangelical Alliance is speaking out in support of efforts to end the genocide that has resulted in the displacement of 2.5 million people.

WEA International Director Geoff Tunnicliffe is among the speakers at the “SAVE DARFUR: Rally to Stop Genocide” this Sunday at the National Mall. Tens of thousands of concerned citizens are expected to join in the rally at the Capitol to urge the U.S. government to “end violence, build the peace, and Save Darfur NOW.”

“The Bible makes it very clear; we must take a stand with those who are voiceless and powerless,” said Tunnicliffe in a statement released by WEA on Monday. “Today we stand with the Darfur people and speak out loudly against the outrageous atrocities to which they are being subjected.” more >>

The World Evangelical Alliance Theological Commission for 2006 will be held in Africa for the first time this year, featuring events including mini-consultation and opportunities for networking, fellowship and ministry with theologians, churches, missions and other bodies in the area.

The annual planning and strategy meeting of the WEA TC 2006 will take place Sept. 20-24 on the campus of Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School in Kenya under the consultation theme of “Theological Perspectives on Global Religious Fundamentalism.” In addition, “Poverty and Social Responsibility” will also be an agenda during the event.

The fall TC meeting will be the first opportunity for those interested in the Commission’s newly expanded membership scheme to participate. The new scheme, which was announced at the beginning of the year, allows for three new categories – Affiliates, Associates, and Partners. more >>

Top international figures from the World Evangelical Alliance are meeting in San Francisco this week to hammer out its vision and identify key points of engagement for the future.

The Mar. 20-22 Regional Secretaries meeting is the latest in a series of international conferences aimed at strengthening and refocusing the voice of the 160-year-old alliance, which underwent massive structural and leadership changes since its last general secretary prematurely stepped down from office in early 2005.

Despite the rocky circumstances, the WEA made great leaps in the last year through the selection of a new international director and the establishment of a revised leadership structure. more >>