World Council of Churches voices support for Armenian Church

Etchmiadzin Cathedral. Photo: WCC

The leadership of the World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed deep concern over the situation surrounding the Armenian Apostolic Church and condemned external interference in its internal affairs.

Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC Central Committee, and WCC General Secretary Jerry Pillay issued a joint statement regarding the crisis around the ancient Christian Church. They stressed the importance of preserving peace and preventing interference by state authorities and outside forces in the affairs of the Church.

“WCC, as a global fellowship of churches, affirms the vital role of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the spiritual, cultural, and historical life of the Armenian people and in the wider Christian family,” Bedford-Strohm and Pillay said. “As WCC, we express our concern about undue interference in inner church matters.”

The WCC leaders expressed hope that the disagreements could be overcome peacefully and called on the parties to find peaceful ways to resolve the situation.

“We uphold the Armenian Church and its people in prayer and support during this time,” the council representatives stressed. Bedford-Strohm and Pillay extended hope and prayers that the conflict will be resolved in a way that will foster the flourishing of the whole Armenian people.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the case against the Catholicos had been sent to court in Armenia and that he could face imprisonment.

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