WCC NEWS: WCC executive committee affirms steadfast witness of the Palestinian Christians

In a statement, the World Council of Churches executive committee acknowledged the profound challenges affecting the Holy Land, where the Israeli occupation, entry restrictions, conflicts, wars and insecurity have curtailed access to Palestine. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 12 June 2026 “Yet even amid these challenges, the executive committee wishes first and foremost to affirm the steadfast witness of the Palestinian Christian community, whose presence in the land of Christ's birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection remains a living testimony of faith, hope, and resilience,” the statement reads. “For generations, Palestinian Christians have maintained their commitment to their land, their churches, and their vocation as peacemakers despite occupation, displacement, discrimination, and economic hardship.” The statement acknowledges the “theological witness” of Christians in Palestine, which offers an important contribution to Christian reflection on faith, human rights, peacebuilding, and reconciliation. The WCC executive committee is meeting online 8 to 12 June. Read the full statement 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