WCC NEWS: WCC to Sudan - “we lift you, your churches, your families, and communities up before our merciful and loving God”

Women pray during Sunday Mass at the Catholic Church inside the Protection of Civilians area in the United Nations base in Malakal, South Sudan. Some 35,000 people live in the camp, protected by UN peacekeeping troops.  Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth Pictures 17 May 2023 He lamented the news of the attack on worshipers in the Mar Girgis (St George) Coptic church in Omdurman during the service on 14 May, the serious injuries suffered as a result, and the expulsion of the priests and nuns of the community. Pillay also shared grief at the shelling, damage, occupation, and vandalisation of so many churches and houses of worship, including the Anglican and Roman Catholic cathedrals in Khartoum, as well as churches and mosques in El Obeid, Geneina, El Fashr, Nyalla, and many other places. “Further, the violent destruction of the nation of Sudan continues, despite efforts and appeals for a lasting ceasefire,” Pillay wrote. “The people of Sudan are the victims of this conflict between the military leaders, turning the country’s humanitarian crisis into a catastrophe.” On behalf of the WCC global fellowship, Pillay conveyed Christian solidarity to all the people and religious communities of Sudan. “We pray that the military leaders will put aside their arms and their rivalries and recognize their responsibility and accountability to the people, against whom they have already done so much harm,” he wrote. “We pray that they will realize their moral and legal obligations to protect civilians, and to stop their desecrations of places of worship.” The situation in Sudan will be addressed by the WCC executive committee which will meet 22-26 May. “In the meantime, we lift you, your churches, your families, and communities up before our merciful and loving God,” concluded Pillay. “May God protect, guide, and comfort you, in the midst of these present tribulations.”   Read the pastoral letter in English and Arabic here  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