WCC NEWS: WCC congratulates His Holiness Abune Kerlos I, Patriarch of Eritrea

World Council of Churches acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca extended warmest congratulations to His Holiness Abune Kerlos I, Patriarch of Eritrea upon his election as the fifth Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church. Feast of the Holy Cross in the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church. Photo: Peter Kenny/WCC 21 June 2021 “Your election comes at a time of unprecedented challenges for the churches and people of Eritrea; and for the entire world as we struggle to emerge from the global pandemic,” wrote Sauca. “I am confident that your spiritual leadership and your long history of ecumenical engagement will promote and sustain the life and witness of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church.” Sauca also extended prayers that God will strengthen and guide the patriarchal ministry with many blessed years of service. “We look forward to continuing our fruitful cooperation and collaboration with the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church as a member of the WCC fellowship,” wrote Sauca. “Your Holiness, please be assured of our continued prayers for your leadership and for the life and witness of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church.” WCC message to His Holiness Abune Kerlos I, Patriarch of Eritrea WCC member churches in Eritrea 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 350 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