WCC NEWS: WCC executive committee calls for an end to the invasion and occupation of Ukrainian territory

The World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee, in a minute on the escalation of the war in Ukraine, called for “an end to the invasion and occupation of Ukrainian territory, and the re-establishment of peace in the region.” Irpin in Kyiv region, Ukraine. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 11 June 2024 The minute reads: “We appeal also to the governments of Russia and Ukraine to respect the fundamental human and moral right of conscientious objection to military service, even in times of war.” “We are appalled by the terrible toll in lives lost, livelihoods and communities destroyed, environmental harm, and wider conflict risks resulting from this war, and call for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, an end to the invasion and occupation of Ukrainian territory, and the re-establishment of peace in the region,” reads the text. “We appeal also to the governments of Russia and Ukraine to respect the fundamental human and moral right of conscientious objection to military service, even in times of war.” The WCC executive committee commended the WCC general secretary’s efforts to address this crisis through dialogue, and urged the general secretary to redouble his efforts and to take all necessary measures to convene dialogue within the ecumenical fellowship. 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: Minute on the Escalation of the War in Ukraine   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