2.1 The Theme of the WCC Decade

The World Council of Churches responded to the United Nations invitation to religious organizations to support the Decade, but chose to focus its efforts on overcoming violence. The aims of the WCC Decade to Overcome Violence are for churches, ecumenical organizations and all people of good will to:

• work together for peace, justice, and reconciliation at all levels - local, regional, and global.

• embrace creative approaches to peace building which are consonant with the spirit of the gospel.

• interact and collaborate with local communities, secular movements, and people of other living faiths towards cultivating a culture of peace.

• empower people who are systematically oppressed by violence, and to act in solidarity with all struggling for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.

• repent together for our complicity in violence, and to engage in theological reflection to overcome the spirit, logic, and practice of violence.

• For more information see http://www2.wcc-coe.org/dov

The Message for the launch of the Decade to Overcome Violence can be found at:
http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/who/cc2001/pr-ii1rev2-e.html



2.2 The Basic Framework for the Decade to Overcome Violence

The Decade to Overcome Violence is seen as consisting of five phases:

• Phase I: 1999-2000: Preparation for the Decade and Launch
  Member churches and ecumenical partners are invited to join the Decade to Overcome Violence. The WCC Central Committee will ask regional, ecumenical gatherings to: outline their specific priorities and projects and thus to contribute to the development of the architecture; formulation of the main message; creation of an appropriate organizational framework and budget for coordination and planning; development and implementation of communication strategies; preparation for the launch.

• Phase II: 2001-2004: Launch and Decade to Overcome Violence Actions
  In January 2001, simultaneous launches were organized around the world, involving local congregations and groups as well as highly visible, international events. Different issues and appropriate methodologies will be used in the Decade to Overcome Violence process which are coordinated with regard to planning, communication, joint events, and common goals.

• Phase III: 2004: Synthesis through Cross-Contextual Analysis and Experience
  The WCC will facilitate exchanges between creative models of peacemaking addressed in the first three years with the aim of strengthening networks and building new alliances.

• Phase IV: 2005: Analysis/Evaluation/Preparation for the Assembly and the Next Five Years
  Analysis and evaluation of the first half of the Decade to Overcome Violence will reflect on the process and assess the following questions: What are the lessons learned this far? What are the challenges to the churches? What are the churches doing? What still needs to be done? Strategic exchanges and visits will help Decade to Overcome Violence participants to listen and learn from one another. These evaluations and exchanges will contribute to the Assembly preparation and build new impetus for the Decade's second half.

• Phase V: 2005-2010: WCC Ninth Assembly
  Lessons and challenges from the first part of the Decade will be shared. The focus and plan of action for 2006-2010 will be finalized and adopted.
  For more information about the framework for the WCC Decade for Overcoming violence see:
  http://www2.wcc-coe.org/dov

2.3 The Concept of Violence

"Violence" is not only physical. It can also be emotional, intellectual, or structural. Throughout the Decade to Overcome Violence, the focus will be on the response to and prevention of forms of violence, such as violence:

• between nations

• within nations

• in local communities

• within the home and the family

• within the church

• sexual violence

• socio-economic violence

• resulting from economic and political blockades

• among youth

• associated with religious and cultural practices

• within legal systems

• against creation

• resulting from racism and ethnic hatred

Action Ideas: