WCC news: WCC expresses heartfelt solidarity with Philippines in wake of earthquake

In the wake of a powerful earthquake that struck southern Mindanao in the Philippines on 8–9 June, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, on behalf of the global fellowship, expressed heartfelt solidarity with all who are suffering.  Photo. Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 10 June 2026 "We are praying with you as you mourn beloved family members and friends, care for the injured, and face the difficult days ahead,” wrote Pillay in a pastoral letter. “We are united with the local churches and their pastors who, amidst their own losses, are turning their sanctuaries into shelters and places of refuge for the displaced.” Pillay assured the affected communities of prayers in these difficult times. “In situations such as these, as followers of Jesus, we are called to make visible God’s unconditional compassion and love for all through emergency response and pastoral accompaniment, strengthening resilience, supporting your struggle to overcome adversity, and helping to rebuild hope,” he wrote. “We know that God is not distant from human suffering.” 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 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