WCC NEWS: WCC to churches and people in Belgrade: “We stand with you”

In a pastoral letter to the churches and people in Serbia, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed his deep sadness and shock at the tragedy that occurred at the Vladislav Ribnikar primary school in Belgrade on 3 May. Prayer during the annual "Working Together” meeting of the World Council of Churches at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey on 3-4 May. Photo: Grégoire de Fombelle/WCC 05 May 2023 “We cannot imagine the pain and sorrow that their families and loved ones are going through,” Pillay wrote. “We want to express our heartfelt condolences to all the families that have lost their loved ones in this horrific tragedy.” Pillay also extended prayers for recovery and healing. “This tragedy reminds us of the need for greater attention to mental health issues and early intervention to prevent such tragedies from happening,” he wrote. “But it also highlights the importance of spiritual and Christian nurturing in a world where many feel alienated and disconnected.” We are called to be the source of love, hope, and comfort, Pillay continued. “We are called to reach out to those who are struggling and to offer them the support and care they need,” he wrote. “We pray that this tragedy will urge us to renew the focus on the importance of spiritual and emotional wellbeing as the community one lives in provides them.” He call upon people everywhere to join in prayer for the people of Belgrade and Serbia.  “We stand with you in solidarity and pledge to continue our prayers and support in the days and weeks to come,” he concluded. “May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” WCC pastoral letter in wake of Belgrade shooting WCC letter to His Holiness PORFIRIJE, Serbian Orthodox Church 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