WCC News: WCC condemns attack, extends condolences to churches and communities in New Orleans

In the wake of an attack involving a truck plowing into a crowd in New Orleans, Louisiana (US) on 31 December, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay condemned the violence against innocent people, and expressed solidarity with the churches and the communities within New Orleans. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 03 January 2025 “We condemn this attack on people who were, with friends and family, celebrating a new year and gathering together,” said Pillay. “The WCC expresses its condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and prays for the recovery of those injured and deeply traumatized by this horrific incident.” In New Orleans, the East Jefferson Interfaith Clergy Association shared grief over the tragic events in New Orleans, leaving 14 people killed and more than 35 injured. “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this senseless violence,” the association shared. “In moments of such profound pain, we reaffirm our shared commitment to peace, compassion, and the sacredness of all human life.” The association reiterated that hatred and violence have no place in their communities. “We call on all people of goodwill to join us in prayer and action to pray for the healing of those who are grieving and the restoration of peace in our communities; and to act with love and understanding, building bridges across divides and rejecting fear and hatred in all its forms.” The East Jefferson Interfaith Clergy Association concluded: “Let us commit ourselves anew to the work of reconciliation and to the pursuit of a world where justice and peace prevail. Together, may we shine as lights in the darkness, bringing hope and healing to our broken world.” In the wake of the senseless act of violence on New Year's Day, the Archdiocese of New Orleans of the Roman Catholic church will host an Interfaith Prayer Service to pray for those who lost their lives, the survivors and their families, as well as for peace and unity. The prayer service will be held on Monday, January 6 at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans. WCC member churches in the United States 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