The World Evangelical Alliance and the World Council of Churches Friday grieved the tragic loss of life due to the crash of Malaysian airline flight near the Ukrainian - Russian border.

"We offer our condolences to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones," said Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, secretary general of the WEA from New York.

WCC general secretary, Rev. Olav Fyske Tveit, said Friday, "This is a profound tragedy that shocks and worries all of us; but especially for those who have lost their loved ones including our neighbors and partners at the World Health Organization here in Geneva."

About 100 of the passengers killed were believed to be HIV and AIDS health researchers, workers and attendees at the 2014 AIDS conference in Melbourne Australia, organizers said.

Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 crashed Thursday in Ukraine, on the Russian border, with 298 people aboard. Ukraine's interior ministry said the plane was shot down by a missile fired by Russian-backed rebels.

RUSSIAN DEFENSE MINISTRY

The Russian defense ministry strongly denied involvement in the missile strike that Ukrainian officials said felled the Boeing 777.

"Once again we renew our call for prayer for Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in the region, that there be a peaceful and lasting solution," said Tunnicliffe.

"This situation is a reminder that we all must work together to promote a peaceful approach to resolving conflict no matter how complicated," he added.

The WCC's Tveit said, "This tragedy taking place in a highly sensitive location and situation that remains poised on the brink of terrible violence, reminds us of the fragility and sacredness of life and the need for peace in this region."

Malaysian Airlines listed the number of passengers and crew, according to nationalities, as Netherlands (154); Malaysia 43 (including 15 crew and two infants); Australia (27); Indonesia (12, including one infant); United Kingdom (nine); Germany (four); Belgium (four); Philippines (three); Canada (one); New Zealand (1) and unverified passengers (19).

The WEA said if the downing of the plane as a hostile act proves accurate, it strongly condemns such violent action against innocent civilians who have no involvement in the conflict whatsoever.

"I am calling on our global family to pray for those who have lost family or friends as a result of the tragedy," Dr. Tunnicliffe stated.

"And once again we renew our call for prayer for Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in the region, that there be a peaceful and lasting solution."

"This situation is a reminder that we all must work together to promote a peaceful approach to resolving conflict no matter how complicated," he added.

Tunnicliffe said: "The WEA through its global family is committed to be an advocate and participant in peace-building and reconciliation amongst all people."