World Association for Christian Communication, a media savvy advocacy agency with representatives in over 100 countries, opened its new offices in Toronto in October. The London, England-based organization moved over 450 boxes, along with a comprehensive library and nearly its full staff, into a renovated United church on Danforth Ave. Rev. Randy Naylor, general secretary of WACC, said the $700,000 church renovation and international move was done smoothly and in “record time.” He also praised the congregation of Hope United church, and their minister Rev. Douglas du Charme, for “moving mountains” to convert the seven-decade-old Sunday school wing of the church into a modern, fully networked office.
Naylor said Toronto was chosen because it “reflects WACC's belief that communication defines people's common humanity, creates community and strengthens cultures.”
WACC was born 50 years ago after the Second World War as the World Association of Christian Broadcasting to work on behalf of churches. It has since taken on more of an advocacy role. On its website, WACC declares: “The Gospel, being the Good News for the poor, needs to be constantly reinterpreted from the perspectives of the poor and oppressed. This challenges church hierarchies to disassociate themselves from the power structures which keep the poor in a position of subservience. In this sense, the Good News for the poor embodies genuine reconciliation by means of which the dignity of all people can be reaffirmed.”
