The World Council of Churches: Hidden Hands Contributing to Welfare among Nations.

The paper discusses the functions and activities of the World Council of Churches (WCC), particularly in connection with combating racism and poverty. The hypothesis is that policy makers interpret religious organizations such as the WCC as models of international communications in microcosm. Specific model functions of the WCC are identified. These include creating and reinforcing humanitarian goals, developing techniques to combat racism and poverty, providing aid to victims of racism or poverty, and lobbying with governments and international organizations concerning policy in these two areas. The author discusses the organization and varied activities of the WCC and presents two case studies: one detailing the history, activities, policies, and results of the fight against racism, particularly in Southern Africa; and the other describing various activities and programs dealing with aspects of economic development and poverty. Conclusions show that the WCC does have a place in the international decision-making process and in transnational activity, and that independent variables have a bearing on the realization of their goals. The strength of the WCC lies in speaking for the have-nots in society whether they are Christian or not. (CK)