WCC news: WCC urges peaceful end to division of Cyprus

The World Council of Churches (WCC) Executive Committee, meeting in Cyprus, an island that is still suffering from the consequences of unresolved conflict, expressed in a statement deep concern over the scars of division, dispossession, and displacement that remain unhealed. Members of the WCC executive committee with local churches leaders during the meeting in Cyprus. Photo: WCC 25 November 2024 “We deeply regret that negotiations in the Cyprus peace process collapsed in 2017, and have still not been resumed,” reads the statement. "Further, we are saddened that while Turkish Cypriots have no constraints on their freedom of movement and access to all parts of Cyprus, Cypriot Christians experience significant restrictions on their access to and freedom to worship in churches and holy places in the occupied area." The WCC executive committee stressed that, in the context of the situation in Cyprus, the ecumenical Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity serves as a powerful witness against occupation and division, and against injustice. The statement urges "all leaders from both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to overcome past hostilities, divisions, and injustices, and to support free and open access to all places of worship on both sides of the divide.” The WCC governing body also calls upon all relevant State and non-State parties to commit to a peaceful end to the division of Cyprus resulting from the invasion and occupation 50 years ago, and to negotiations for a nonviolent, successful, and just outcome as an essential foundation for sustainable peace and development in the region. The statement urges the UN secretary-general and all members of the international community “to continue to support, accompany, and encourage the peace process in Cyprus, including the inter-communal confidence building and peace promotion efforts of the religious leaders and faith communities of Cyprus.” The WCC also appealed to the Turkish Cypriot authorities to liberalize their manifestly restrictive approach to requests for access to and to conduct worship services in churches and Christian holy places in the territory under their control, and to ensure free access to such places. The WCC executive committee is convening in Paralimni, Cyprus, from 21-26 November to focus on planning for 2025, including the budget and implementation of WCC strategies. The thematic focus of the gathering is on peace-building in the context of occupation, war, and conflicts. Read the full statement WCC: “We yearn for peace in Ukraine, in Russia and throughout the region” (WCC news release, 25 November 2024) WCC moderator: “What do we mean when we talk about speaking truth to power?” (WCC news release, 21 November 2024) WCC general secretary highlights how WCC proclaims God’s justice in the world (WCC news release, 21 November 2024) WCC executive committee convenes in Cyprus with focus on peace-building (18 November 2024) Photo gallery of the WCC executive committee meeting in Cyprus Photo: WCC 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 Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland