WCC news: WCC extends condolences in wake of attack on Vancouver Filipino festival

Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, mourned the lives lost and expressed solidarity for those responding to injuries received when a man drove a car into the crowd at a Filipino festival in Vancouver, Canada, on 26 April. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC 29 April 2025 Eleven people were killed, including a five-year-old child, and dozens more were injured.  “We mourn the lives lost so horrifically and extend our condolences to those who lost loved ones, we pray for those still responding to help the injured, and for those who are stricken with fear,” Pillay said. “We come together to stand in solidarity with the Filipino community and people in Canada.” Pillay reaffirmed the ecumenical fellowship’s steadfast commitment to praying for healing for the wounded and strength for the bereaved. “Together, let us stand firm as instruments of God’s peace in a fractured world,” he said. WCC member churches in Canada 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 Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland