WCC news: Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemns attack on church in Jordan

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned an attack on Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Hamoud, Karak on 23 October. The town of Jericho, with the view towards Jordan in the distance. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 23 October 2026 Three masked gunmen began shooting as dozens attended a funeral procession, killing at least seven people and wounding 40 others. Karak is located about 120km south of the capital Amman. In a statement, the patriarchate joined the bereaved families of victims, the Jordanian people, and the Hashemite leadership in mourning.  “We remain confident in the ability of our security services to act swiftly and professionally to bring the terrorist perpetrators to justice,” reads the statement. “Despite the immense pain inflicted upon Jordan as a whole and upon all people of conscience throughout the world, this abhorrent and bloody act will not undermine our national unity or steadfastness.” The patriarchate expressed its belief that the Jordanian society will remain resilient against every dark and extremist ideology, and that this criminal act is alien to the moderate Islam of the country. “We call upon our faithful and all believers to remain steadfast and to pray during these difficult moments,” the statement concludes. “May God protect Jordan and the Jordanian people.” WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay called for prayers from the global WCC fellowship and from all people of good will.  “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those killed and pray for the healing of the injured. We stand in solidarity with the churches and people of Jordan. The strong bonds of friendship and mutual respect between Christians and Muslims in Jordan will not be shaken by this act of violence. We call for the protection of all places of worship, including churches and mosques, so that all may gather in prayer in peace and safety.” Condemnation Statement by the Jerusalem Patriarchate Regarding the Terrorist Act Targeting the Church in Al-Karak / Hammoud 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