WCC news: WCC extends condolences, prayers in wake of earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay extended condolences to those who lost loved ones and invited prayer and support for the people of Myanmar and Thailand in the wake of a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar, with aftershocks in Thailand, on 28 March.   Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 29 March 2025 “Our prayers are with all those who lost loved ones in their families and among friends,” said Pillay. “Our thoughts are also with all those involved in response and recovery work, both immediately and in the long term.” At least 150 people have been killed and reports from officials indicate the death toll is likely to grow. Hundreds more were injured. Aid groups reported that communication blackouts and damaged roads are hindering their ability to reach people as crews are searching through the rubble and assessing damage. The earthquake, which ruptured along the Sagaing Fault, was the largest to hit Myanmar in more than a century. “We are especially pained and concerned for the people of Myanmar who are already vulnerable due to protracted conflict in the nation,” said Pillay. The last time a quake of such magnitude struck on land was the 2023 Turkey earthquake, which killed 50,000 people. “I urge churches and specialized agencies in the ecumenical family to extend every prayer and every possible means of support for humanitarian aid assistance,” said Pillay.  Earthquake in Myanmar and its effects in Thailand – Update from the Christian Conference of Asia 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