WCC condolences on the death of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi

His Eminence Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Supreme leader 
Islamic Republic of Iran

cc: His Eminence Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian

Your Eminence

We at the World Council of Churches received the news of the death of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, and members of his esteemed delegation, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in a tragic helicopter accident. This loss is deeply felt, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and to all who grieve in your nation.

We pray for resilience, wisdom, and stability as the Iranian people confront these trying circumstances. May the spirit of peace and strength pervade throughout the country. We also extend our prayers to our member churches in Iran, trusting that they will continue to be a source of hope and progress for their communities. May they be uplifted by God's spirit and further contribute positively to the well-being of the nation.

Lastly, we earnestly hope that the ongoing investigations into this grievous incident will soon bring clarity and foster understanding. May the outcomes assist in healing and reconciliation for all affected.

Please accept our deepest sympathies for this untimely loss. I take this opportunity to renew the expression of our commitments to accompanying our member churches in Iran, and to dialogue and cooperation with our Iranian interfaith partners.  

Respectfully yours,

Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General secretrary
World Council of Churches