“We witnessed scenes that few of us ever expected to see,” wrote Sauca. “Sadly however, when division, confrontation, denigration and misinformation become the primary modalities of political discourse, and when the pursuit of power supersedes the common good as the main objective of political leaders, such outcomes – or worse – are ultimately inevitable.” Sauca added that the global ecumenical fellowship has been inspired by the Christian witness that many church leaders in the United States have given throughout the years, including during the aftermath of the attack on the US Capitol. “Through this letter, I wish to convey to you the renewed and strengthened solidarity of all WCC member churches with you as you raise your prophetic voices in the midst of this new and acute crisis, and as you hope and pray for a peaceful transition of power respecting the will of the people,” Sauca wrote. “You are called to be the shepherds of a deeply divided, distrusting and frightened flock, whose fears and differences have been played upon by those seeking to secure and maintain political power for themselves.” Great harm has been done in the process, Sauca noted. “The burden of rebuilding trust and promoting reconciliation in such a widely polarized society is an impossibly heavy one for you to carry alone,” he wrote. “We pray that God will gift each of you and all of us a special measure of wisdom and strength to work together to meet this challenge.” Sauca assured US churches of the accompaniment and support of sister churches. “May your churches and country find the peace and joy assured to us in the scriptures,” Sauca concluded. “And we pray that God will lead us all together and be our guide on the path of understanding and compassion, towards justice and peace.” Read the full WCC letter to the member churches in the United States of America Religious leaders speak out against violence at US Capitol: “Our democracy is under siege” (WCC press release 07 January 2021) WCC condemns violence threatening USA, stands with churches on path to peace (WCC press release 06 January 2021) WCC member churches in the US | 
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