Image
CPT logo

CPT logo

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia wrote 23 March to Christian Peacemaker Teams co-director Douglas Pritchard, expressing "great joy" at the news that three CPT team members held in Iraq had been freed.

The text of Kobia's letter follows:

"It is with great joy that we received the news today of the freedom of the three Christian Peacemaker Teams members held in Iraq. We send them, their families and the staff of CPT our best wishes for safe homecomings and reunions with colleagues and loved ones.

"At the same time we share in the sorrow surrounding the death of Mr Tom Fox, who paid for his high convictions with his life. Our condolences go out to his family and to the team now freed.

"We also pray that amid all the pain and anxiety of this case, those engaged in the violence in Iraq may remember and heed the many voices both Christian and Muslim, including World Council of Churches member churches in the region and around the world, who made publicly clear that among the many people of faith concerned for peace there are also people called to be peacemakers--and that your team was answering one such calling in Iraq.

"May God continue to guide and bless you and your staff, especially in discernment for these times about the witness in your important work."