WCC NEWS: WCC extends condolences to people of Graz in wake of school shooting

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is extending condolences to the people of the Austrian city of Graz, after 10 people died in a school shooting, along with the alleged shooter. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 11 June 2025 At least a dozen others were injured after the shooting on 10 June at a high school. Of the ten victims who died, nine were students, ages 15-17, and one was a teacher.  World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed solidarity with the people of Graz, especially with those who lost loved ones in the attack.  “As we walk with the Graz community and churches in their pain and sorrow, we will pray God’s strength for you as you carry the anguish and the scar of this terrible violence,” Pillay said.  Austria has declared a three-day national period of mourning, and held a nationwide moment of silence for the victims at 10 a.m. local time on 11 June.  The city of Graz sits in southern Austria, in the Styria province. It’s the second-largest Austrian city by population, with about 300,000 residents. 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