WCC mission returns from World Social Forum pledging faith into action

WCC mission returns from World Social Forum pledging faith into action

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Thu, 08/13/2026 - 15:25

The World Social Forum – a global gathering of civil-society and social-movement groups – returned to Africa for the first time since 2015. Its 17th gathering ran in Cotonou, Benin, from 4-8 August, under the slogan "Another World is Possible." A World Council of Churches (WCC) mission of around 20 West African church leaders and partners took part.

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Photo: WCC

The forum ’ s opening march was postponed for reasons organizers described as beyond their control. The week began with what Rev. Tegwende Leonard Kinda, of the Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in West Africa in Burkina Faso (FECCIWA), a former WCC c entral committee member, called “ a turbulent start” before dialogue resumed.

The WCC mission ’ s programme continued as planned. Five side events, Land Justice Now, Water for Life, Faith in Action, Fiscal Justice for Food Systems, and Coalition Building, were convened with FECCIWA. Rev. Michael Tete, general secretary of FECCIWA, led the West Africa mission, with support from Dinesh Suna, WCC…