“The forum was not merely a conference but a movement-building moment. I return with a renewed mindset that another world is possible and that faith communities, when rooted in justice and solidarity, can be catalysts for that transformation.

“This collaborative effort has reignited my hope in ecumenism and in significant ways re-energized my own commitment to this important work

“This theology is most in line with grassroots Christian movements, but of course aiming at the entire church. These theological reflections were complemented by a critique of the “myth of redemptive violence” by the American theologian Walter Wink. Finally, we incorporated a political science perspective through Hanne-Margret Birckenbach’s ‘Peace Logic.’

“This regional ecumenical theological institute offers us a special opportunity to respond to that question together in the United States and Canada. We are grateful for the World Council of Churches’ accompaniment on the journey

“The vision promoted by the World Social Forum is one of hope . . . based more firmly on justice, dignity, solidarity, peace, and respect for creation. I commit myself, as a citizen, a believer, and a religious leader, to contributing, within my sphere of influence, to this transformation.

“Land justice is tied to dignity, water justice to peace, climate resilience to survival, and faith to the courage to act. I came away believing that knowledge has little value if it never leaves the conference room, and that faith has little force if it never becomes action.

“United through prayer, we stand in hope that the pain, trauma, and suffering of innocent people will at last come to an end. As we said in June, at our previous Global Prayer for Ukraine, light always triumphs over darkness.