The World Council of Churches is welcoming nominations for its 2018 Indigenous Global Ecumenical Gathering (IGEG) and youth pre-meeting which will be hosted by Te Pihopatanga o te Manawa o te Wheke and the Anglican Missions Board in Rotorua this July.

The gathering, which runs from 18 - 23 July at Te Papaiouru Marae in Ohinemutu, will welcome up to 200 indigenous participants from around the globe, representing regional, national and local ecumenical indigenous networks, communities and churches.

Focused on the theme, 'Indigenous Spirituality and Reconciliation: Called to a Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace,' the gathering will be a space for sharing stories, exchanging insights, and offering mutual support and solidarity, as participants consider common challenges that continue to confront indigenous communities worldwide.

"It is a time of prayerful listening and dialogue and sharing good practice examples of hope, as participants together embark on a Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace informed by indigenous spirituality, and aimed at reconciliation and healing." writes WCC organiser, the Rev Dr Katalina Tahaafe-Williams.

The global gathering will also mark the 70th anniversary of the World Council of Churches with an ecumenical multicultural service to be held at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Auckland on Sunday 22 July.

For more information on the 2018 Indigenous Global Ecumenical Gathering (IGEG), or the Youth pre-meeting on July 18-19, and to nominate participants, contact WCC organiser Rev. Dr Katalina Tahaafe-Williams or the Rev Tamsyn Kereopa.