WCC NEWS: WCC calls for prayers for people of Afghanistan as fears of violence grow

The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed concern and called for prayers for the people of Afghanistan as fears of violence and oppression grew. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 16 August 2021 “People who have already suffered for decades from armed conflict, displacement, oppression, corruption and bad governance have once again been cast into fear and uncertainty as a result of the dramatic developments over the past few days,” said Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of communication, on behalf of Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, WCC acting general secretary and currently on vacation. “We pray especially for the women and girls of Afghanistan, that their dignity, rights and aspirations will not be denied again, but that they may have the access to education and to the rights and freedoms that they have been promised both by those in power and by the international community.” The Taliban must respect the dignity and rights of all people in the territories they now control, said Ejdersten. "We appeal to all relevant authorities - in Afghanistan and elsewhere - to ensure the safety and security of all Afghan people, including those who are fleeing the country in fear of violence, oppression and persecution.” WCC comment on developments in Afghanistan, 16 August 2021 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 349 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland