World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep concern regarding recent developments in Armenia involving the Armenian Apostolic Church, including reported law enforcement actions at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the detention of senior clergy.
“The Armenian Apostolic Church holds a unique and revered place in the spiritual, cultural, and historical life of the Armenian people,” said Pillay. “Reports of force being used within sacred spaces and the detention of clergy raise significant concerns about the protection of religious freedom, the sanctity of worship, and the autonomy of religious institutions.”
The World Council of Churches is also mindful of the impact that public rhetoric can have in moments of regional tensions, Pillay said. “Language that may be perceived as hostile or dismissive toward religious communities risks deepening societal divisions at a time when unity and mutual understanding are most needed,” he said.
Pillay called upon the government of Armenia to ensure the protection, dignity, and legal rights of all religious leaders and institutions; refrain from actions or statements that could be interpreted as targeting religious bodies or fuelling public antagonism; uphold the principles of religious freedom, due process, and the peaceful exercise of faith; and encourage an open and constructive dialogue between state institutions and religious communities.
Read also
“The World Council of Churches stands in solidarity with the Armenian Apostolic Church, whose historic witness and enduring role have long contributed to the spiritual life and resilience of the Armenian nation and the global Christian fellowship,” said Pillay. “At this important juncture, we urge all stakeholders to act with responsibility, sensitivity, and a shared commitment to the values that uphold dignity, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.”
Statement by the World Council of Churches on Recent Developments Concerning the Armenian Apostolic Church
The World Council of Churches (WCC) expresses its deep concern regarding recent developments in Armenia involving the Armenian Apostolic Church, including reported law enforcement actions at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the detention of senior clergy.
The Armenian Apostolic Church holds a unique and revered place in the spiritual, cultural, and historical life of the Armenian people. It is also an essential and irreplaceable member of the worldwide Christian family, contributing profoundly to the ecumenical movement and to the shared witness of the Church in the world.
Reports of force being used within sacred spaces and the detention of clergy raise significant concerns about the protection of religious freedom, the sanctity of worship, and the autonomy of religious institutions.
We are also mindful of the impact that public rhetoric can have in moments of regional tensions. Language that may be perceived as hostile or dismissive toward religious communities risks deepening societal divisions at a time when unity and mutual understanding are most needed.
In this light, the WCC respectfully calls upon the Government of Armenia to:
• Ensure the protection, dignity, and legal rights of all religious leaders and institutions;
• Refrain from actions or statements that could be interpreted as targeting religious bodies or fuelling public antagonism;
• Uphold the principles of religious freedom, due process, and the peaceful exercise of faith;
• Encourage an open and constructive dialogue between state institutions and religious communities.
The World Council of Churches stands in solidarity with the Armenian Apostolic Church, whose historic witness and enduring role have long contributed to the spiritual life and resilience of the Armenian nation and the global Christian fellowship. We continue to pray for wisdom and discernment among Armenia’s leaders, for the well-being of its clergy and faithful, and for a resolution grounded in justice, peace, and respect for all.
At this important juncture, we urge all stakeholders to act with responsibility, sensitivity, and a shared commitment to the values that uphold dignity, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General secretary
World Council of Churches
World Council of Churches
