WCC News: WCC deeply shocked by attacks in Sudan, urges immediate ceasefire

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expresses deep shock over recent attacks in North Darfur, Sudan, particularly the assaults on displacement camps in Zamzam and Abu Shouk, and the town of El Fasher. A camp for internally displaced persons in Sudan's Darfur region. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 16 April 2025 “These attacks are reported to have resulted in the deaths of over 400 civilians including at least nine humanitarian workers, and the displacement of an estimated 400,000 people,” said Pillay. “The violence has been marked by horrific brutality.” Pillay noted that these atrocities are a gross affront to fundamental religious values of human dignity and the sanctity of life.  “Coming on the two-year anniversary of the eruption of conflict in Sudan, these violations add to a grievous and still mounting toll of tens of thousands dead, hundreds of thousands facing famine, and almost 13 million people displaced,” Pillay said. “We welcome the additional humanitarian assistance pledged at yesterday’s conference in London, but lament the lack of collective political will to bring an end to the conflict that is continuing to inflict such terrible harm on the people of Sudan.” The WCC joins its voices with the cries of the suffering people of Sudan, Pillay said, and urgently called for all parties to the conflict—especially the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces—to commit immediately to a ceasefire, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and uphold the protection of civilians, including women, children, and displaced persons. Pillay also called for the international community to “act swiftly and decisively to end this war, to ensure accountability for war crimes, to maintain humanitarian corridors, and to provide the resources needed to avert the deepening humanitarian crisis.” He urged “WCC member churches and ecumenical partners to continue praying for peace in Sudan, supporting efforts for dialogue and reconciliation, and advocating for a just and sustainable resolution to the conflict.” Pillay reaffirmed the WCC’s solidarity with the churches and people of Sudan, especially through the Sudan Council of Churches, and encouraged all faith communities to remain steadfast in their commitment to peacebuilding, justice, reconciliation, and healing. “May the people of Sudan soon experience the dawn of peace after this long night of suffering,” he concluded.  WCC statement on Sudan, 16 April 2025 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