WCC gravely concerned over threats to Iran of attacks on civilian infrastructure

World Council of Churches (WCC) moderator of the central committee Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm and WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed grave concern over threats made by US president Donald Trump of imminent widespread attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran and the response of Iran promising serious retaliation.

“Indeed, any war fought without limits is incompatible both with the law and with fundamental morality,” said Bedford-Strohm and Pillay. “The proclamation of intent to deliberately breach those limits, and the increasingly flagrant violation of law and ethics in conflicts proliferating around the world, is abhorrent to the moral conscience of humanity and utterly inconsistent with the endeavour of seeking peace and security in the world.”

Bedford-Strohm and Pillay urged all conflict parties to de-escalate, to engage in dialogue, and to commit to the peaceful resolution of disputes in the Middle East, and in all conflicts around the world. “We appeal urgently for all those driving these conflicts, to choose peace not war,” concluded Bedford-Strohm and Pillay. “We invite all WCC member churches, and all people of faith and goodwill, to renewed prayers and support for peace in the Middle East.”

Click here to read the full WCC statement on the escalation of conflict in Middle East.