WCC NEWS: WCC condemns bomb attacks in Jerusalem: “let us pray for the people of the Holy Land”

World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca condemned attacks in Jerusalem during which two explosive devices were remotely detonated at a bus station and at Ramot junction. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 23 November 2022  16-year-old boy was killed, and at least 18 others were wounded. A search is underway for suspects. “There is a particular horror in any such attack which takes place at public locations where young people are going to school, others are going to work, and innocent lives are lost to extremist violence,” he said. “The WCC condemns this violence unequivocally, as we do all violence between the peoples and communities of this region which has seen so much bloodshed.” Violence, collective punishments, and communal attacks can only further damage the prospects of peace and justice for all, Sauca added. “It is important that all responsible authorities – including civil, religious and law enforcement – take proactive steps to prevent any reprisals by extremist groups,” he urged.  “The tensions and tragedies of this city—holy to Jews, Christians, and Muslims—are a reminder both of the need for all parties to continue to work intensively for a just peace in Israel and Palestine, and of the vital place that Jerusalem itself plays in that longed-for peace.” Sauca extended condolences on behalf of the WCC global fellowship, urging: “Let us pray for the victims, their families, and close ones as well as the people of the Holy Land.” WCC statement urges active engagement in dialogue to bring lasting peace and security for all in the Middle East - WCC news release 8 September 2022 WCC participated in the 17th enthronement anniversary of His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem and All Palestine - WCC news release 23 November 2022 Inaugural pre-meeting of WCC Jerusalem Liaison Advisory Committee convenes, maps future - WCC news release 23 November 2022 Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel commemorates 20-year anniversary: 1,800 accompaniers from 25 countries - WCC news release 23 November 2022 See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania.  Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland