WCC Releases Statement on Sudan

By Pauline J. Chang

The World Council of Churches executive committee released a statement deploring the genocide in Western Sudan, August 26, 2004. The Committee, which is meeting in Seoul from August 24-27, called on the African Union and the United Nations to provide an international peacekeeping force to ensure the deplorable acts do not continue in the war-torn nation.

"The ethnic cleansing which has taken place in Darfur must be reversed before it takes on the proportions of genocide," stated WCC director of International Affairs, Peter Weiderud.

According to recent figures, some 50,000 people died and over 1 million were displaced within the last 18 months in the Darfur region of Sudan under the hands of pro-government militiamen. Dozens of church groups, including the National Association of Evangelicals, the Southern Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians, urged the U.S. and the U.N. to take immediate action against such crimes. The WCC’s recent statement is a reinforcement of the international abhorrence of the militia’s inhumane acts.

The statement, which is only a draft of the final copy to be released on the 27th, states that the committee "urged the government of Sudan to protect its civilian population and to disarm the pro-government militia," and calls on all parties to work for peace and reconciliation.

Currently, the warring parties in Darfur are meeting in Nigeria to continue on peace talks.

The WCC’s full statement can be viewed at: http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/press_corner/korea-sudan.html

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo