News
World Council of Churches acting general secretary Isabel Apawo Phiri expressed heartfelt sympathies to churches and people in Toronto after a gunman shot and killed two people and injured 13 others who were visiting shops and restaurants in the Canadian city.
In a letter to the United Church of Canada, Phiri wrote: "We convey our sympathies and condolences to the families, the churches, and the public for the shocking violence and loss of life."
Phiri attended the 43rd General Council of the United Church of Canada last week.
"We are conscious of the steep pastoral challenge this situation poses for you," she wrote. "We pray that the God of life will lend you strength and wisdom and will bless the people of Toronto and all of Canada with comfort and consolation, healing and help in the days ahead."
Phiri also sent a word of greeting to Rev. Dr Richard Bott upon his election as the next moderator of the United Church of Canada. "We look forward to working with you in your new role, especially since the ecumenical quest is in the very DNA of the United Church of Canada and the church is such an active, indeed invaluable partner in our work for unity, justice and peace," Phiri wrote.
"We pray that the God of life will lend you strength and wisdom in your new role and will bless the people of Toronto and all of Canada."