Document
WCC Member Churches in the
Democratic Republic of Congo
Uganda, and to the
All Africa Conference of Churches
Dear beloved sisters and brothers,
I extend to you heartfelt solidarity in this deeply troubling time as communities face an Ebola outbreak, yet again, affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries. The World Health Organization has declared this Ebola outbreak (Bundibugyo strain) a public health emergency of international concern, which remains serious and is spreading fast.
Our prayers are with the families who are afraid and all who are grieving.
As health organizations record over 900 suspected cases and at least 223 suspected deaths, health workers and local caregivers are serving under severe strain in contexts marked by violence, displacement, insecurity, and fragile health systems. In this hour, the church is called to be close to those who suffer.
This letter comes to you with prayerful assurance of accompaniment and solidarity.
The present outbreak is especially difficult because there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain. Yet it is also clear that early detection, supportive care, infection prevention, contact tracing, and strong community cooperation can save lives and slow transmission.
In all these efforts, your faithful witness becomes a sign of God’s healing love at work amid suffering. The last major Ebola outbreak revealed the crucial role of churches with a shared purpose, vital social networks, organisational capacity, and the trust communities have in churches. It is our hope and prayer the proven good practices that faith communities have successfully carried out, will be scaled up.
We are in solidarity with you as you share accurate health information; resist stigma, rumours, and fear; encourage people to seek care early; and uphold safe and dignified burial practices and other measures that protect life and honour the dead. Congregations have also shown great success by ensuring that places of worship model safe practices, including hand hygiene, avoiding physical contact where necessary, and encouraging early care-seeking. Faith leaders also accompany families in grief through safe and dignified practices, while helping communities understand and accept public health measures. Actions taken faithfully at the local level contribute significantly to saving lives and strengthening trust within communities.
Beloved in Christ, this outbreak is serious, but fear and death do not have the final word. May the Holy Spirit strengthen the churches of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and the whole ecumenical fellowship in hope, truthful witness, and steadfast solidarity as you journey through these difficult times.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways.
The Lord be with all of you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
With prayers and thanksgiving for your service and ministry,
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General Secretary