WCC news: WCC extends condolences, prayers in wake of Taiwan earthquake

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay extended condolences to the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan and those who lost loved ones and invited prayer and support for the people of Taiwan in the wake of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan on 3 April.   Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 5 April 2024 “Our prayers are with all those who lost loved ones in their families and among friends in this powerful earthquake and its aftershocks,” said Pillay. “Our thoughts and petitions are also with all those involved in the rescue work.” The quake, which was centered just off the coast of Hualien, is the largest to hit Taiwan in 25 years. At least ten people are dead and about 1000 others injured. On 4 April, rescuers were still working to free dozens of people trapped in the rubble of landslides and collapsed structures as tremors still rocked the area. “It also pains me to learn about the damages caused by the earthquake to the Yushan Theological Seminary,” said Pillay. The seminary belongs to the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. “May the churches and specialized agencies in the ecumenical family be able to extend every possible support for humanitarian aid assistance in affected areas,” said Pillay.  Read the full letter 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