WCC news: In wake of Typhoon Kalmaegi, WCC reaches out in solidarity to churches and communities in Philippines

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep solidarity and sorrow following the devastation wrought by Typhoon Kalmaegi in the Philippines.  Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 7 November 2025 "We grieve the tragic deaths of at least 114 people, and hold in prayer the 127 persons still missing, most of them lost to flash floods and landslides across the central provinces, including Cebu,” he wrote in a pastoral letter. “We are equally mindful that nearly 2 million people have been affected, with more than 560,000 displaced and seeking safety in evacuation centers.” In this hour of emergency and recovery, Pillay noted that the vocation of the church is more vital than ever. “We stand alongside you as you continue to be living signs of God’s compassion, presence, and justice,” Pillay wrote. “We recognise and give thanks that many congregations and Christian organisations in the Philippines have already opened their doors, shared their resources, provided refuge, and begun restoring essential services.” He also noted that the increasing frequency and intensity of weather-related disasters remind us of the urgent need for faithful stewardship of creation and for systems that protect the most vulnerable. "It is our prayer that God will lift up the people, churches, and communities of the Philippines in this time of trial,” Pillay wrote. “May God comfort those who mourn, strengthen those who serve in relief and recovery, and guide the nation’s leaders in wisdom and compassion.” Read the full letter 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