The World Council of Churches (WCC) and other global church organisations have invited member churches, and all people of faith, to pray for the people of Afghanistan.

A statement issued on August 16 on behalf of acting general secretary the Rev Prof Dr Ioan Sauca, said: “People who have already suffered for decades from armed conflict, displacement, oppression, corruption and bad governance have once again been cast into fear and uncertainty as a result of the dramatic developments over the past few days.

“We pray especially for the women and girls of Afghanistan, that their dignity, rights and aspirations will not be denied again, but that they may have the access to education and to the rights and freedoms that they have been promised both by those in power and by the international community.

“The Taliban must respect the dignity and rights of all people in the territories they now control. We appeal to all relevant authorities – in Afghanistan and elsewhere – to ensure the safety and security of all Afghan people, including those who are fleeing the country in fear of violence, oppression and persecution.”

On the same day, a statement from the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) called for ‘churches and believers to pray for the country, especially for Afghan Christians and others who are vulnerable, and those who have already fled or are trying to flee abroad’.

Bishop Dr Thomas Schirrmacher, Secretary General of the WEA, said: “We are very concerned about the recent developments in Afghanistan and the dire prospects for all those who do not fit within the Taliban’s view of a society.

Women, who will be among those who have most to lose, will likely again be prevented from enjoying basic rights, including tertiary education, professional careers, and even freedom to move around on their own. What is less reported is the plight of religious minorities, including Christians, who have suffered severe oppression during the past twenty years and who are now at even greater risk.” (WCC/WEA )