WCC News: WCC expresses outrage over Salha massacre in Omdurman

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed shock and outrage over the horrific massacre committed in Salha, Omdurman, on 27 April. Reports received from the area describe mass executions of unarmed civilians, arbitrary arrests under the so-called "Strange Faces Law," and the appalling treatment of human remains, with bodies piled among car tires. Eyes of a child displaced by violence in the Darfur region of Sudan. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 29 April 2025 “These acts represent grave violations of international humanitarian law, human dignity, and the most basic principles of faith and morality,” said Pillay. “The targeting of civilians and the deliberate use of terror undermine every effort toward peace and reconciliation in Sudan.” Pillay urgently called for an immediate end to all forms of violence against civilians and for independent investigations to ensure that those responsible for these and other atrocities in Sudan are held fully accountable. “We urge the international community to act swiftly to protect vulnerable populations, to demand respect for human rights and the rule of law, and to support all initiatives for a just and lasting peace in Sudan,” said Pillay.  In this time of pain and horror, the World Council of Churches stands in solidarity with the victims, their families, and all communities traumatized by this atrocity, concluded Pillay. “We pray for comfort for the bereaved, and courage for all working for justice, reconciliation, and the restoration of human dignity in Sudan,” he said. “May the God of compassion, hold the people of Salha in His tender care, bring healing to the wounded, justice for the wronged, and peace to Sudan and throughout the world.” World Council of Churches Statement on the Salha Massacre in Omdurman 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