WCC News: WCC, Conference of European Churches to EU: Armenian people need more resources

In a letter to the European Union, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Conference of European Churches express grave concern for the situation in the Caucasus related to the exodus of almost the entire ethnic Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh. The Cathedral of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Armenian Church. Photo: Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin 12 October 2023 “A WCC delegation was visiting Armenia during that period, and was present at the entrance to the Lachin Corridor when the decisive attacks began on 19 September,” reads the letter. “In light of the subsequent developments, especially the massive exodus of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, we appeal to the EU and to all members of the international community to provide immediate and sustained humanitarian support for the refugees, especially the most vulnerable and the poorer members of the community who still lack adequate assistance to meet their basic needs for food, shelter and medical care, and for education for their children.” The letter asks the EU to substantially increase financial support for the provision of essential humanitarian assistance. “We also wish to draw your attention to the fears of possible further territorial incursions by Azerbaijan in southern Armenia, with the intention of forcible establishment of territorial connection with its enclave Nakhchivan,” the letter continues. “In this context, the role of the EU in Armenia takes on a much greater significance.” The WCC and Conference of European Churches express great appreciation for the important contribution already made by the EU Mission in monitoring the situation along a part of Armenia’s eastern border with Azerbaijan. “However, with the dramatic shift in circumstances in the region, we are convinced that a substantial strengthening of the EU Mission’s personnel and resources will be needed to mitigate the risk of any such incursion and to help restore confidence among the people of Armenia,” reads the letter. “A further key factor for future relations in the region will be the manner in which Azerbaijan now treats Armenian religious and cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh.” WCC and CEC letter to European Union expressing concern on Nagorno-Karabakh WCC delegation witnesses Azerbaijani forces shelling of Armenian enclave (WCC news story, 25 September 2023) In Armenia, WCC general secretary speaks for justice (WCC interview 22 September 2023) In joint letter to European Union, WCC and Conference of European Churches urge lifting blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh (WCC news release, 04 August 2023) Photos from the WCC visit to Armenia 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