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“We condemn the growing repression sponsored by security forces in several parts of the region, the persecution and murder of social leaders, harsh anti-immigrant measures by the United States, and the suffering in Cuba driven by US policies, especially the ongoing economic blockade,” reads the minute.
“We raise concern over Indigenous communities being displaced by transnational companies for lithium extraction, highlighting the political, economic, and environmental consequences of these practices.”
The rise of authoritarian, neoliberal governments—often backed by religious fundamentalism—has undermined human rights, worsened inequality, deepened poverty, and increased dependency on foreign powers, further weakening national sovereignty, noted the WCC governing body.
“We invite the general secretary’s attention to these concerns affecting a region in which one quarter of the world’s Christians live,” concludes the minute, which also calls for prayers, solidarity, and accompaniment of WCC member churches in the region by the wider global ecumenical fellowship.
The WCC central committee is convening 18-24 June in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Minute on Latin America and Caribbean Concerns
WCC Central Committee, June 2025
WCC general secretary reflects on daring to hope amid struggle (WCC news release, 18 June 2025)
Welcomed by African churches, WCC central committee opens (WCC news release, 19 June 2025)
