“This dangerous spiral of violence places millions of civilians at immediate risk, undermines regional and international security, and threatens already fragile economic and social stability across the Middle East,” said WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay. “The widening hostilities endanger lives, disrupt essential infrastructure, and deepen fear and uncertainty among peoples who have already endured prolonged instability and conflict.”

Pillay reiterated that disputes between states must be resolved through dialogue, consultation, and adherence to international law. “Military confrontation and retaliatory escalation cannot bring sustainable security or peace,” he said. “Instead, they multiply suffering and increase the risk of broader regional conflagration with unpredictable global consequences.”

The WCC called for an immediate cessation of all military actions; protection of civilian populations and critical infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law; urgent resumption of diplomatic engagement and political dialogue through established international and regional mechanisms; and coordinated international efforts to prevent further escalation and to restore stability.

“The WCC stands in prayerful solidarity with all people and churches of the region,” said Pillay. “We urge political leaders to act with restraint, responsibility, and a renewed commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes.”

Pillay urged that the path forward must be one of de-escalation, dialogue, and respect for human dignity. “Violence will not secure the future of the region; only justice, accountability, and sustained diplomatic engagement can lay the foundations for lasting peace,” he concluded. 

Following is the text of the statement:

The World Council of Churches expresses its grave concern and condemnation of the recent military attacks carried out by Israel against Iran, and the subsequent escalation and retaliatory strikes that are rapidly expanding across the region.

This dangerous spiral of violence places millions of civilians at immediate risk, undermines regional and international security, and threatens already fragile economic and social stability across the Middle East. The widening hostilities endanger lives, disrupt essential infrastructure, and deepen fear and uncertainty among peoples who have already endured prolonged instability and conflict.

The WCC reiterates that disputes between states must be resolved through dialogue, consultation, and adherence to international law. Military confrontation and retaliatory escalation cannot bring sustainable security or peace. Instead, they multiply suffering and increase the risk of broader regional conflagration with unpredictable global consequences.

We call for:

• An immediate cessation of all military actions.
• The protection of civilian populations and critical infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law.
• The urgent resumption of diplomatic engagement and political dialogue through established international and regional mechanisms.
• Coordinated international efforts to prevent further escalation and to restore stability.

The WCC stands in prayerful solidarity with all people and churches of the region. We urge political leaders to act with restraint, responsibility, and a renewed commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes.

The path forward must be one of de-escalation, dialogue, and respect for human dignity. Violence will not secure the future of the region; only justice, accountability, and sustained diplomatic engagement can lay the foundations for lasting peace.

Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General Secretary
World Council of Churches