NEWS
News from our member churches and the wider ecumenical movement, with our monthly roundup and a library of stories from ecumenical bodies around the world.
The Bishops’ Lent Appeal for 2026
During Lent, New Zealand’s six Catholic diocesan bishops wrote to Catholics around the country inviting them to support the Bishops’ Lent Appeal, which Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand runs on their behalf.
The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent book, with two voices from Aotearoa
Dancing to the Heartbeat of God, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent book for 2026, gathers personal stories on discipleship and unity from 26 Anglican writers around the Communion, and is designed for personal reflection or small groups.
True Freedom: a Lent course on modern slavery
The WCC and the Clewer Initiative have published True Freedom, a six-week Lent course on modern slavery based on Paul’s letter to the Galatians.
Closer: a Lent series from the Lutheran World Federation
The Lutheran World Federation launched a seven-week Lent series, “Closer: on the way to the cross”, which ran from Ash Wednesday, 18 February, to 4 April.
Seven Weeks for Water 2026
Every Lent since 2008 the WCC’s Ecumenical Water Network has offered weekly reflections on water.
Lent and Easter resources from Bible Society
Bible Society New Zealand released free Lent and Easter resources under the title “Walking in Jesus’ Final Footsteps”.