The World Council of Churches (WCC) welcomed and celebrated the award of the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize to the UN World Food Programme.
“We express our gratitude and congratulations to the leadership and each staff member of the World Food Programme,” said Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, WCC interim general secretary. “This vital multilateral organisation comprises many dedicated people, working in the remotest and most vulnerable regions of the world, affected by conflict, climate catastrophe and economic crises.”
The World Council of Churches is an ecumenical partner supported by the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund apportionment, which enables United Methodists to share a presence and a voice in the activities of several national and worldwide ecumenical organizations.
The World Food Programme’s contribution has become even more important in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the number of people facing acute food insecurity has nearly doubled to 265 million in 2020, from 135 million in 2019. “People of faith, who are deeply rooted in their communities, are witness to the World Food Program’s heroic, sacrificial, and consistent responses to hunger, and have been privileged to serve as partners in many such contexts,” said Sauca.
As faith communities celebrate Churches’ Week of Action on Food, many are emphasizing the moral imperative of addressing hunger and food insecurity. However, in many places, funding allocated to support millions of vulnerable people needing lifesaving assistance is being reduced, due to the lack of resources or changed priorities.
“People of faith are committed to stand and act with the World Food Programme, to protect people’s livelihoods, wellbeing and daily sustenance for all, especially for those experiencing the harsh reality of hunger, during these difficult times,” said Sauca. “We pray for solidarity among the world's nations that such support is extended to the most marginalised communities within each society.”
During the Churches' Week of Action on Food, observed from 11-17 October, the WCC, Christian Conference of Asia, and Pacific Conference of Churches invited all people of goodwill to attend an online prayer service on 16 October, World Food Day, in the different regions.
The gatherings involved leaders from the respective regions and the reflections offered by Sofía Monsalve Suárez, secretary-general of FIAN International.
World Council of Churches website
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund enables United Methodists to share a presence and a voice in the activities of several national and worldwide ecumenical organizations. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
