“The World Council of Churches stands in solidarity with people who are undergoing great hardship, and we draw together in prayer for the Église Protestante de Kanaky Nouvelle-Calédonie and with all others who are hoping and working for an end to tension and shortages that are gravely affecting some of the most vulnerable individuals and families,” said Pillay. Pillay also expressed solidarity with the Pacific Conference of Churches as it works for justice. “We pray for the decisions and most of all the actions that will forge a path to sustainable justice for Kanaky New Caledonia,” he said. “We assure the suffering communities: you are not forgotten but you are upheld in the light of prayer.” The state of emergency throughout New Caledonia was lifted on 28 May. Tensions remain high in the northern parts of the country as officials try to address blockades. Air travel to and from New Caledonia remains restricted as the main international airport has been closed off. Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu, and Fiji continue to evacuate citizens amid concerns of heavy military buildup in the country. The Pacific Conference of Churches held its 12th General Assembly in Kanaky New Caledonia in November 2023. “There is still tension on ground as Kanak leaders are working with the youth and related groups to restore peace and normalcy,” reported Pacific Conference of Churches general secretary Rev. James Bhagwan. “Regionally, there have been numerous statements of concerns expressed by the Pacific Elders Voices, the Melanesian Spearhead Group, and the Pacific Islands Forum.” Bhagwan also noted that there have been peaceful demonstrations outside France diplomatic missions in New Zealand and Vanuatu, and a prayer vigil hosted last week in Suva, Fiji, by the Pacific Conference of Churches. WCC letter of solidarity with the people of Kanaky New Caledonia Pacific Conference of Churches stands in solidarity with Kanaky as violence disrupts lives (WCC news release, 21 May 2024) | 
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