Geneva, 26 November 2019

Your Beatitude,

I write to you with great sadness after receiving news of the strong earthquake that struck the country of Albania, and the ongoing news, as rescue operations continue, of the people who have perished and the many who have been injured.

The poignant images of devastation and destruction grieve us greatly, as do the accounts of families left destitute by this event, especially as winter fast approaches.

On behalf of myself and all our WCC member churches, I would like to offer our prayers to you and the Albanian people as well as our heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost family members and friends in this disaster.

We kindly ask you to share our message of support and condolence with Christians and with all people of good will in Albania, including religious communities of other faiths with whom you work so closely.

May the words of the Psalmist be a solace to the citizens of Albania as we supplicate Him:

“May Your unfailing love be my (our) comfort, according to Your word to Your servant.”

Psalm 119:76

 

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit

General Secretary

World Council of Churches