WCC news: WCC extends prayers to those affected by earthquake in Colombia

In a letter to the Presbyterian Church of Colombia, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed a deep and shared sorrow for communities affected by the recent earthquake in Colombia.  Sunday service in Saint Paul's Cathedral, in the Chapinero part of the Capital District of Bogotá, Colombia. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 11 August 2026 “We follow the updates about the many confirmed casualties and hundreds injured, homes and churches damaged or destroyed, and countless families now living in fear, uncertainty, and grief,” Pillay writes. “We stand with you and with all those impacted by the earthquake.” Pillay also extended prayers to families and communities affected and for all those working tirelessly in emergency response, relief, and accompaniment. “We are grateful for your commitment to journey with these communities and the coordinated response of your presbyteries,” the letter reads. “Your witness reminds us that, in moments of crisis, the church is called to be present – not only through words, but through prayer, compassion, service, and solidarity.” "The bonds that unite us as churches are especially important at times such as this", added Pillay. "We stand alongside our sisters and brothers in Colombia and share in their concern and hope." The Presbyterian Church of Colombia, and ecumenical organizations in Colombia are mobilizing in solidarity with communities affected by a powerful earthquake that struck the western and central parts of the country on 10 August. The church is monitoring the situation in areas where it has a presence and is coordinating with its Presbyteries to develop an organized and responsible response based on the needs identified locally. The ACT Alliance Colombia Forum is likewise in close contact with local churches, partner organizations, and community networks to assess the impact of the earthquake and identify humanitarian needs.  Read the full letter Churches respond to earthquake in Colombia with solidarity and accompaniment (WCC news release, 11 August 2026) 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