WCC news: WCC condemns grave violation of human dignity by Hamas in Gaza

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay strongly condemned the “abhorrent act of parading human remains” during the recent handover of bodies from Hamas in Gaza. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 21 February 2025 Such actions are a grave violation of human dignity, contradicting both international humanitarian laws and fundamental moral and faith-based values that demand respect for the dead,” he said. "The treatment of human remains with dignity is a core principle of all religious traditions and a requirement under the Geneva Conventions.” Pillay called on all parties to uphold legal, ethical, and moral standards that ensure every human being, even in death, is treated with the respect they deserve.  “Dehumanizing actions only fuel further violence and deepen the suffering of all affected communities and adds to the pain of the bereaved,” he said. “The WCC continues to pray for peace, justice, and the protection of human dignity and respect for all in the Holy Land.” Read the full statement 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