WCC NEWS: WCC central committee appalled by bomb attack on Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Syria

In a minute, the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee expressed how appalled it was by the news of a suicide bomb attack on the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in the Dweila neighbourhood of Syria’s capital Damascus on 22 June.  Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 23 June 2025 “It is reported that about 25 people have been killed and 68 seriously injured in the attack by militants linked to the so-called ‘Islamic State’ extremist group,” reads the minute. “It is the first suicide bombing inside Damascus since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, and represents a renewed threat to the safety and security of the Christian churches and communities of Syria in the post-Assad context.” The WCC governing body conveyed its deep condolences to all the bereaved and injured, and prayed for their recovery and safety. “We express our Christian solidarity to His Beatitude John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, Damascus,” reads the minute. “We, on behalf of the worldwide ecumenical fellowship of the WCC, stand in Christian solidarity with the members of his church, and with all churches and Christian communities in Syria whose sense of security in their own country has been deeply shaken by this attack.” The WCC central committee appealed to the government and authorities of Syria to take swift and decisive action to ensure the security of all citizens, especially in cases where sectarian violence targets specific communities. “Such action is essential to restoring trust and fostering a peaceful and inclusive future for all Syrians,” reads the minute. “We pray for God’s special blessing and care for the churches and Christian communities of Syria and the whole Middle East, who live and witness in this land, the cradle of our shared faith.” The WCC central committee is convening 18-24 June in Johannesburg, South Africa.   Minute on Bomb Attack on Mar Elias Church, Damascus   WCC Central Committee, June 2025   WCC central committee moderator: “we will continue our pilgrimage, praying and doing justice” (WCC news release, 18 June 2025)   WCC general secretary reflects on daring to hope amid struggle (WCC news release, 18 June 2025)   Welcomed by African churches, WCC central committee opens (WCC news release, 19 June 2025)   Daily livestream sessions   Photos: WCC Central Committee 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