WCC news: WCC expresses sympathy, solidarity for people and churches of Southern Brazil

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay extended deep sympathy for the people and churches of Southern Brazil as they endure catastrophic flooding, loss of life, and widespread destruction of homes, roads, and bridges. One of the rescue teams at work in Porto Alegre. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC 7 May 2024 “Even from afar, we see the immense scale and devastation caused by the massive flooding and landslides of this week’s storms,” said Pillay.  Tens of thousands are now without clean water or electricity, and tens of thousands more are displaced from their homes entirely. Dozens of people have lost their lives, while others are still missing. “Beyond the numbers, we feel the widespread suffering, horrible loss, crippling uncertainty, and deep grief experienced by Brazilians across the region,” said Pillay. “We grieve with you, and we pledge our deep solidarity, praying and working alongside Brazil’s churches and relief agencies to alleviate the suffering and restore order.” The WCC 9th Assembly was held in Porto Alegre in 2006.  “When such a disaster strikes and our hearts are broken, we naturally ask where God is in these circumstances,” said Pillay. "God’s love and presence are always and everywhere with us and for us.” Read the full letter "Sympathy and Solidarity for the People and Churches of Southern Brazil" Solidarity campaign of the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil Humanitarian aid in the town of Sinimbu, organized by the congregation of the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil. Photo: IECLB 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