Document
A message from the World Council of Churches to the churches and the people of the
United Kingdom - Solidarity with the victims, rejection of violent actions, 7 July,
2005
The news, images and stories of the terrorist attacks against civilians in London
this morning filled my heart with sadness and concern.
I convey my condolences to the relatives and friends of those who were killed and
express solidarity with the victims of these attacks. We pray to the Lord for peace
and hope for all of them and for the inhabitants of London and the United Kingdom,
who feel their lives to be in danger after these terrible events.
As Christians, we re-affirm our opposition to any form of violence. This radical
rejection of violence has led the ecumenical movement to promote the "Decade
to overcome violence: churches seeking reconciliation and peace (2001 - 2010)".
Peace is the only way to achieve justice for all. When, as it seems on this occasion,
violence is deliberately targeting civilians and willing to create terror in the
population, it could be described as a crime against humanity. There is nothing
that can justify the killing of innocent people anywhere.
This kind of event is a call to all of us, churches, other religious organizations and
the whole of humanity to strengthen our commitment to building a just and
peaceful world where all human beings may feel secure and safe in their homes,
in their cities and communities.
May "the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction" (2 Cor. 1:4)
be with all those who suffer at this moment.
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia
General Secretary
