As general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), I express my deep concern over the news coming from Egypt reporting dangerous escalation of violence in several parts of the country, which have resulted in more than fifty persons killed and hundreds more wounded. The WCC has always condemned the use of violence as a means of resolving conflicts.

We want to assure the Egyptian people of our support for their ongoing efforts to maintain their unity within the diversity of their political affiliations. Together with our member churches in Egypt, and in the wider ecumenical family, we are praying for a peaceful and  inclusive transitional process, in which all parties will work together to form a government that will lead the country to stability, justice and peace.

We strongly support the efforts of the churches in Egypt, working together with their Muslim partners and all other political parties and civil society organizations and actors, to facilitate peace building through a reconciliation and healing process on a national level. We encourage all political parties to engage in this process so that national unity is preserved.

We are confident that the Egyptian people who rose up claiming dignity, freedom and equality will find peaceful ways to reach these common goals, while respecting political and religious diversity. We are also confident that political and religious leaders in Egypt are aware that in critical historical moments of change and transformation in political systems, inclusive processes are vital for the unity of the nation, while exclusive ones lead to frustration and disappointments.

Yours in our Common Lord,

Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
WCC general secretary