WCC NEWS: WCC calls for a permanent ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access in Gaza

A statement from the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee called upon "all parties involved to immediately commit to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, to ensure unhindered humanitarian access from all borders and the delivery of sufficient quantities of aid to all those who need it, and to engage in meaningful political processes that allow the peoples of the region to live in peace and dignity.” People receive support from the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees of the Middle East Council of Churches (DSPR-MECC), a member of ACT Alliance responding to the needs of people in Gaza by providing medical and psychosocial support. Photo: DSPR 11 June 2024 The statement notes the death toll now surpassing 36,000 people, over two-thirds of them children and women; more than 83% of the population displaced; and the complete destruction of medical, educational, and other civilian infrastructure, with more than 50% of homes destroyed, leaving over one million people homeless. The suffering, the statement notes, is due to “indiscriminate nature of the Israeli military actions in the territory, and of the lack of respect for fundamental principles of international humanitarian law and morality.” The WCC governing body urged “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held in Gaza without violence, as well as of persons detained in Gaza and the West Bank without due legal process.” The statement asked all members of the international community to “rediscover their moral and legal commitment to the equal human rights of all.” The WCC executive committee is meeting in Bogotá, Colombia from 6-11 June, where the governing body is focusing on the business of the WCC and on absorbing the life and witness of churches at the heart of the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity.   Read in full: Statement on the Escalating Crisis in Gaza   At social dialogue in Colombia, WCC assures hundreds gathered: “we are co-pilgrims with you in your journey” (7 June 2024)  WCC moderator urges “get involved in the struggles of the world by affirming hope” (6 June 2024)    Moderator's address at the WCC executive committee in Bogota, Colombia   WCC general secretary to executive committee: “in Christ all things are held together” (6 June 2024)   Report of the WCC general secretary at the executive committee in Bogota, Colombia   In Colombia, WCC executive committee will focus on life and witness of churches (30 May 2024)   WCC executive committee will meet in Colombia to strengthen peacebuilding work (7 May 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