WCC Executive Committee releases statement on Armenian genocide

“Denial, impunity and the failure to remember such events encourage their repetition.” This warning was issued by the WCC executive committee in a public issues statement on the Armenian genocide of the early 20th century. Meeting in Armenia from 7 to 12 June at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, home to the Armenian Apostolic Church, the 20-member committee paid its respects to this year’s commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the tragedy.

The statement was read aloud by WCC moderator Dr Agnes Abuom at a public service of remembrance in Yerevan on 10 June and shared by WCC leadership in a meeting with the president of the Republic of Armenia on the same day.

“The WCC has played a key role over many years in accompanying the Armenian church in speaking out and working for recognition of the genocide, and for appropriate responses to the genocide’s continuing impacts on the Armenian people”, the statement reads in part.

The executive committee concludes, “In this centenary year, we call the international community, the WCC’s member churches and all people of faith and good will to remembrance, and to re-commit to the prevention of genocide and all crimes against humanity.”

Click here to read about the WCC’s meeting with the Armenian president.