WCC news: WCC invites churches around the world to pray for Colombia

As Colombia approaches the second round of its presidential elections, the World Council of Churches (WCC) is inviting its member churches and all people of goodwill to pray for peace in the nation.  Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC 19 June 2026 The prayer asks for a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace for the people. “Be with the people and the churches of Colombia in their search for justice, human rights, and an end to the prolonged armed conflicts that have ravaged the country for more than seven decades,” the prayer reads. “We remember in prayer especially those who have been most disproportionately affected: vulnerable communities in border, rural, Indigenous, and Afro-Colombian areas, and women and children in the territories disputed by different armed actors.” The WCC executive committee, which convened earlier this month online, renewed its longstanding commitment for a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace for the people of Colombia. "The World Council of Churches has a long history of accompaniment and solidarity with the churches and people of Colombia in the search for justice, human rights, and an end to the prolonged armed conflicts that have ravaged the country for more than seven decades,” reads a minute published by the governing body. WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay underlined the urgency of prayer and the responsibility of the caring for the most vulnerable people in Colombia.  “Colombia is facing a crucial moment of political transition. We pray for compassionate hearts and for a path that walks toward peace and justice,” he said. Pillay reiterated the WCC’s calls for a permanent ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, along with an unrestricted commitment to the protection of the civilian population and of nature. Pillay continued: “We will pray that the incoming government of Colombia will continue the difficult search for peace through dialogue and social and economic justice, rather than resorting to military means,” he said. “Through our prayers and our actions, may we prioritize the common good and respect for life and human dignity.” An Ecumenical Prayer for Colombia WCC executive committee: Minute on the Future of the Peace Process in Colombia 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