WCC NEWS: WCC general secretary meets Palestinian president, urging an end to “seemingly endless cycle of violence and suffering”

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay met with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, West Bank, on 19 February, urging an end to the “seemingly endless cycle of violence and suffering.” WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay and his delegation meet with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas. 19 February 2024 President Abbas praised the efforts made by the World Council of Churches (WCC) to support the Palestinian people to gain their freedom and independence, highlighting its important role in delivering the suffering of the Palestinian people to the world. The President briefed the delegation on the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territory and in Gaza and the West Bank, including Jerusalem – and stressed the immediate urgency for a ceasefire. He further stressed the need to oblige Israel to stop attacks on Islamic and Christian sanctuaries and properties in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. The general secretary observed the unique role and mandate of the WCC in listening to, and amplifying, the voices and testimonies of member churches and partners in the Holy Land, not least today, and he affirmed the WCC’s ongoing commitment to work for just peace for all people.  WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay meets with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas. Pillay underlined the urgency for international partners and political authorities to work together for a strategic intervention to find a way to stop and prevent what is happening in Gaza at the moment. He said: “It is clear that collaboration is required in the efforts to end the war in Gaza, provide humanitarian support for all people affected, ensure the freedom of religion, and encourage the necessity of dialogue to create a secure and safe future for both Israeli and Palestinian people.” Pillay also spoke to the pivotal role and responsibility political leaders must take in upholding the dignity of every human being and respecting the principles of international law. President Abbas affirmed that his government is prepared to participate in dialogue processes with the Israeli government to establish a peaceful and stable future for all people.  “As a worldwide fellowship of churches, we will continue to accompany the churches and the people in Palestine and Israel on their journey with prayer, action, and hope for a better future,” Pillay said. WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay meets with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas. Photo: WCC The WCC delegation met also with the leadership of the Palestinian Presidential Committee on Church Affairs in Ramallah to discuss the role of Christians in the region and the importance to keep the Status Quo with Jerusalem as the city of three religions.  Meeting with the leadership of the Palestinian Presidential Committee on Church Affairs. Photo: WCC WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay is visiting Palestine and Israel on 16-22 February, sharing in the life and ministry of WCC member churches in the region, while also meeting with various religious, social, and political leaders including both Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli president Isaac Herzog, as well as visiting the WCC Jerusalem Liaison Office. As head of the delegation, the WCC general secretary is being accompanied by Dr Audeh Quawas (WCC central committee member), Marianne Ejdersten (WCC director of Communication) and Yusef Daher (coordinator, WCC Jerusalem Liaison Office). In times of struggle, WCC accompanies the journey in the Holy Land (18 February 2024) In Holy Land, “light and life have a true and enduring existence” as heads of churches gather with WCC (18 February 2024) WCC general secretary visits Holy Land to strengthen call for just peace (15 February 2024) 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