News
After a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan on 6 February, the World Council of Churches (WCC) offered condolences and expressed its support for relief efforts underway.
WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, in a letter to Rev. Lyim Hong-Tiong, general secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, said he was saddened to learn of the earthquake, which happened when many people in Taiwan were gathered to be with family as they celebrated the new year.
“A natural disaster of this magnitude at a time when so many gathered to be with family to celebrate the promises of the future makes this all the more tragic and painful,” wrote Tveit. “We received your relief update informing us of the number of lives lost, the many injured and the properties experiencing damage. Yet we are heartened to also hear of the relief efforts in which the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan is engaged.”
The church is called to be a source of recovery and restoration, particularly at such times of loss and pain, added Tveit. “We stand with you in your own pain and as you seek to bear witness to God’s love and care at this time. We journey with you now and as we continue on the pilgrimage of justice and peace.”
The WCC welcomed a delegation from the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan on 2 February. Discussions during the visit focused on the situation of Christians and especially the situation for indigenous people in Taiwan.
Condolence letter by WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
Presbyterian Church in Taiwan delegation visits WCC (WCC press release of 5 February 2016)
