WCC NEWS: WCC reaffirms role of churches amid Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo

The WCC executive committee acknowledged the role of churches amid the health emergency in the Democratic Republic of the Congo following the outbreak of Ebola, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Photo: Sean Hawkey/Life on Earth 12 June 2026 The governing body called for urgent humanitarian access to Goma airport. “This outbreak is unfolding in communities already burdened by conflict, displacement, weak health systems, and deep social mistrust,” reads the statement. “The executive committee urges all relevant authorities and actors to ensure that Ebola containment be treated as an immediate political priority at national and regional levels in line with WHO guidance, and that the ceasefire commitments under the Washington Accords be fully implemented, since renewed violence and insecurity in affected areas will gravely undermine outbreak control, humanitarian access, and the protection of vulnerable communities.” The WCC executive committee is meeting online 8 to 12 June. 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