WCC NEWS: WCC executive committee: “violence cannot bring sustainable peace to Colombia”

The World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee, in a statement on the peace process in Colombia, emphasized “violence cannot bring sustainable peace to Colombia, and cannot produce positive results for the benefit of the civilian population.” Bogotá, Colombia. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC 11 June 2024 The WCC governing body called upon the Colombian government and all armed actors “to respect international humanitarian and human rights law” and “ensure that the civilian population is protected from violence and harm resulting from conflict.” The statement called upon all armed groups in Colombia “to desist from kidnapping, and from the recruitment of minors.” The WCC executive committee expressed deep appreciation to the churches, people, and government of Colombia for the opportunity to meet in Bogotá at “this pivotal moment in the search for just and sustainable peace.” The WCC executive committee is meeting in Bogotá 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 Peace Process in Colombia 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