WCC calls to respect right to conscientious objection to military service

World Council of Churches. Photo: end-violence.org

Discussing the escalation of war in Ukraine, the Executive Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) has issued a call to ensure fundamental human rights during times of war. This was reported on the WCC website.

The statement draws attention to the horrifying human toll, destruction of homes, and environmental damage resulting from this war, calling "for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, an end to the invasion and occupation of Ukrainian territory, and the re-establishment of peace in the region".

Additionally, the WCC Executive Committee appeals also to the governments of Russia and Ukraine "to respect the fundamental human and moral right of conscientious objection to military service, even in times of war.”

The WCC Executive Committee met in Bogotá, Colombia, from June 6 to 11, 2024, where the governing body focused, in particular, "on absorbing the life and witness of churches at the heart of the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity".

As reported by the UOJ, the World Council of Churches condemned the concept of "holy war" adopted by the RF.

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