WCC news: WCC extends condolences and prayers to the people of Iran

In a letter to His Eminence Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and to member churches in Iran, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay extended condolences and prayers. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 21 May 2024 The president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, and members of his delegation were killed in a helicopter crash on 19 May.  “This loss is deeply felt, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and to all who grieve in your nation,” wrote Pillay. “In these moments of mourning, our prayers are with the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran.” Pillay prayed for resilience, wisdom, and stability as the Iranian people confront these trying circumstances.  “May the spirit of peace and strength pervade throughout the country,” he wrote. “We also extend our prayers to our member churches in Iran, trusting that they will continue to be a source of hope and progress for their communities.” As investigations continue in the wake of the crash, Pillay expressed hope for clarity and understanding. “May the outcomes assist in healing and reconciliation for all affected,” he wrote. “Please accept our deepest sympathies for this untimely loss.” Read the full letter 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 352 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 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland