WCC calls for an end to foreign military interventions in Syria

In an official statement issued on 12 October, the World Council of Churches (WCC) has expressed grave concern over the dramatic escalation of the conflict in Syria.

The Council expressed strong condemnation of all foreign military operations especially since hope has been raised for a political process in line with the proposals made by the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria, and approved by the UN Security Council last August.

The WCC, together with its member churches and ecumenical partners, has expressed on several occasions its deep conviction that “there will be no military solution” to the conflict in Syria.

“We call upon all governments to put an immediate end to all military actions and to support and engage with a political process for peace in Syria through which a narrative for all Syrians can be generated,” said Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the WCC.

He added, “We also reiterate our urgent call to the UN Security Council and the international community to implement measures to end the flow of weapons and foreign fighters into Syria.”

“Only a political solution in Syria, leading to the establishment of a transitional national government, recognized by the people of Syria and the international community, can adequately address the existential threat posed by ISIS and other extremist groups and offer hope for the preservation of the diverse social fabric of Syria and the region,” reads the statement. “The Syrian people deserve another alternative to what they face today, and a just peace now. We hope and pray that the suffering of the Syrian people will come to an end soon.”

This position is consistent with the advocacy positions of Global Ministries throughout the Syria crisis.  Click here to read the full statement.