WCC NEWS: WCC extends prayers for Tonga in wake of volcanic eruption

World Council of Churches acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca extended prayers and condolences to people in Tonga, and the churches and rescue workers helping them, in the wake of a massive volcanic eruption smothered the Pacific islands in ash, cut power and severed communications. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 17 January 2022 Up to 80,000 people could be affected, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Tsunami waves following the eruption also wreaked significant damage. “Amid the chaos and the uncertainty, we pray for you and we stand in solidarity with you amid a terrifying disaster,” said Sauca. “We pray for God’s mercy on you and on the rescue workers and first responders at the scene. We pray that God might guide the churches responding to the needs of the people as those needs change in the coming days. “We assure you that our solidarity and prayers will be ongoing as you continue to cope with the devastation of this disaster,” said Sauca. Locals say Tonga is coated in a layer of volcanic ash, and the dust was reportedly contaminating water supplies. Tonga's internet and phone lines went down, making the island's 105,000 residents almost entirely unreachable, though communications were gradually returning. 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