WCC news: WCC on Holy Family Church in Gaza: “places of worship must never be targets”

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay said he is “deeply distressed” by reports of an Israeli attack on the Holy Family Church in Gaza on 17 July, which has reportedly resulted in injuries and fatalities among civilians, including members of the Christian community. 17 July 2025 “Places of worship must never be targets,” he said. “Sacred sites are sanctuaries of peace, and attacks on them constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law and human dignity.”  Pillay said the WCC stands in solidarity with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and with all those affected by this latest assault. “We urgently call for the protection of all civilians and religious sites, and for an immediate cessation of hostilities,” he said. “Violence can never bring peace.” Pillay concluded: "Our prayers are with the wounded, the grieving families, and the people of Gaza, who continue to endure immense suffering.” 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 356 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