WCC NEWS: WCC extends prayers and solidarity to Malawi in wake of devastating cyclone

In a letter to Rev. Dr Billy Gama, general secretary of Blantyre Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep sadness over the loss of life and destruction left by Cyclone Freddy. A man heads out to fish at dawn in Karonga, a town in northern Malawi. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 23 March 2023 “For many, this is not their first displacement as they were already affected by cyclones Ana and Idai in recent years, from which the households and the nation at large had not fully recovered,” wrote Pillay. “We note that the country was also battling a protracted cholera outbreak, and this tragedy couldn’t have come at a more inopportune time.” As churches opened to provide shelter and help respond to people’s needs, those actions provide a beacon of hope, noted Pillay.  “Your resilience and unwavering faith in the face of adversity inspire and encourage us, and we are committed to doing our part to ease the suffering caused by this calamity,” he wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate this challenging period, and we continue to stand in solidarity with you now as we have done in the past.” Pillay also reiterated the WCC’s urgent calls for addressing the climate emergency. “We pray that our Lord Jesus Christ gives you all the strength and wisdom to support the suffering and vulnerable people, and we pray that Malawi will emerge from this challenge stronger,” wrote Pillay.   Read the full letter of solidarity  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 general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. 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