World Communion of Reformed Churches

News Release

14 January 2013

Head of WCRC’s justice programme now based in Geneva

Dora Arce-Valentín has arrived in Geneva to take on full-time responsibility for the

Office of Justice and Partnership of the World Communion of Reformed Churches

(WCRC).

“Now I am where I have to be. Our staff team needs to be together so that we can

make justice issues felt,” says Arce-Valentín. “The justice programme is one of the

organization’s two pillars along with Theology and Communion. I am happy to be here

to provide the balance.”

Arce-Valentín had been working in her native Cuba as part-time programme consultant

for justice programmes since January 2012. Funding from the Council for World

Mission has enabled the Cuban pastor and justice advocate to come to Geneva for

2013. In 2014 she will move with the staff team to new offices in Hannover, Germany.

In welcoming Arce-Valentín, WCRC General Secretary Setri Nyomi says: “Rev. Dora

Arce-Valentín comes to WCRC with much experience as a pastor and a person committed

to justice. With her as a full-time member of the staff team, WCRC will be better

able to continue its work with its member churches to be a strong force for justice

in the world.”

Arce-Valentín says she is grateful to the Presbyterian Church in Cuba for allowing

her to take on this assignment with WCRC at a time when there is a pressing need for

pastors in the country.

“My church doesn’t have financial resources. We are giving what we have – human

resources. It is our way of saying we know the importance of justice work to WCRC

and the ecumenical movement,” she says.

In the coming year, Arce-Valentín will be focussing on creating closer contacts with

regional church groups. Based on her experience in the Caribbean region, she knows

this is the way to connect with local parishes to learn about their needs and let

them know what WCRC can offer.

Arce-Valentín’s vision for the justice programme puts a priority on working with

youth. Plans include offering workshops on positive, non-violent images of

masculinity and supporting youth involvement in ecological justice.

“Justice issues appeal to young people,” she notes. “There is the potential for

youth to take on some issues and force their churches to deal with them.”

Plans for 2013 include follow-up to a meeting last year in Brazil that produced

proposals for a new frame of reference for the world’s financial structures. A panel

of experts is now being formed to follow through on the proposals. And in March,

Arce-Valentín will convene a meeting of WCRC’s networks of justice advocates in the

context of a consultation on human trafficking.

WCRC represents 80 million Christians in 108 countries. Its member churches are

active worldwide in initiatives supporting economic, climate and gender justice,

mission, and cooperation among Christians of different traditions.

Media Contacts:

Kristine Greenaway

Office of Communications

World Communion of Reformed Churches

Email: kgr@wcrc.ch

tel: +41 (0)22 791 62 43; fax: +41 (0)22 791 65 05

www.wcrc.ch