WCC News: WCC expresses solidarity with Korean people in wake of passenger plane crash

The World Council of Churches extended condolences to the bereaved families and the Korean people after a Jeju Air passenger plane crashed while landing at Muan International Airport in South Korea on 29 December. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 29 December 2024 “The loss of 179 precious lives in this catastrophic air disaster weighs heavily on the hearts of all who are part of the fellowship of the World Council of Churches,” wrote Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary, in a condolence letter. “We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, to the Korean people, and to the churches that stand alongside them during this time of national mourning,” said Pillay. The National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) released a condolence statement on the Jeju Air Passenger Aircraft Tragedy on Sunday, praying for God’s comfort for all those who have been affected by the tragedy. “This catastrophe, which should never have occurred, has taken precious lives, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones.” “We urge the government to devote its full resources to the rapid and safe rescue of lives and to ensure thorough management of this crisis. The Korean Church prays earnestly for the peace and eternal rest of those who have lost their lives, and for the safety and return of all survivors to the arms of their families,” wrote Rev. Kim Jong Seng, general secretary of the NCCK. WCC letter of condolences on the Jeju Air passenger plane crash in South Korea 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