Document
Your Excellency Mr Goodluck Jonathan,
President of the republic of Nigeria,
Abuja
Your Excellency,
We are deeply saddened by the continuing violence and social upheaval in Nigeria and pray that peace with justice will come soon for the Nigerian people. We continue to mourn the loss of life particularly among those who were killed in brutal attacks this past weekend in Kano and the attacks on and deaths of Christian worshipers celebrating the mass service of Christmas in Abuja only a month ago.
We must remain prayerful and vigilant regarding the developments in Nigeria as they are potentially destabilizing not only for Nigeria itself but for countries in Africa and other regions. We have asked the WCC member churches from around the world to pray for Nigeria. We also believe that those who have perpetrated these crimes must be brought to justice and that the healing begins for those who are suffering.
The actions of Nigeria’s Christian and Muslim leaders working together to end the violence is a contribution that will ultimately allow both communities to live in peace. Nigeria cannot become another battlefield where religion is used to promote divisions and hatred, allowing for destructive intentions. Christians and Muslims around the world offer their support to our sisters and brothers in Nigeria to enable them to live together in peace.
We ask that from your position you continue to encourage those who are seeking peace in Nigeria and those who desire that Muslims and Christians stand side by side in solidarity with the people of Nigeria.
On behalf of the World Council of Churches, we would like to express our condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families and all victims affected by these attacks. The World Council of Churches strongly condemns these wanton and barbaric attacks of terrorism and violence which target innocent human lives.
May God almighty heal the deep wounds, protect all God’s children and help them to overcome hatred, intolerance and violence.
Sincerely yours in Christ, our common Lord
Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
WCC general secretary
