WCC NEWS: WCC appeals for immediate ceasefire in Sudan

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep sadness at the sudden escalation of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. A woman weeps as she tells how her village was attacked by government-aligned militias in the Darfur region of Sudan. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 17 April 2023 “Armed clashes have been taking place since 15 April in Khartoum and elsewhere in Sudan, with the deaths of approximately 100 civilians currently reported,” said Pillay. “The armed violence and instability, which has also resulted in the deaths of three UN staff, has resulted in the suspension of World Food Programme and other humanitarian operations in Sudan.” Many people – including staff of the Sudan Council of Churches – have been trapped in the offices or workplaces due to the unforeseen sudden onset of the fighting. “Schools, health facilities, markets and other basic services have closed or reduced their operations,” said Pillay. “The WCC is gravely concerned about the wider impacts on the Sudanese population, which was already experiencing significant humanitarian needs, political and economic challenges, a high rate of inflation, widespread poverty, and severe impacts of climate change.” Pillay appealed for an immediate ceasefire and an end to armed hostilities for the sake of the suffering Sudanese people. “We hold those who have lost loved ones, and those who have been injured, in prayer for their consolation and recovery,” he said. “We pray that God will grant peace and restore normalcy and stability in Sudan.” Read the full WCC statement on Sudan WCC member churches in Sudan 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