News
As two European cities suffered attacks yesterday, WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit denouced the violence and mourned the loss of life, extending prayers for the victims and their families.
In Berlin, a a large truck rammed into a crowded Christmas market, killing 12 people and injuring 48 others. German authorities are investigating the incident as a terror attack, according to news reports.
In Zurich, a gunman wounded three people attending prayers at an Islamic centre, then committed suicide, according to Swiss police reports.
“Once again, people going about their daily lives, in celebration of holidays and in worship, have suffered violent attack,” said Tveit. “We must join together, not just to condemn these actions but to strengthen our pursuit of just peace, and our resolve not to allow extremist violence to separate us from each other.”
Tveit assured those in Berlin, Zurich and across the world that the WCC fellowship stands with them in prayer, mourning and steadfast hope.
“We pray for the victims and their families,” he said, “and we seek God’s mercy, love and grace that we may be empowered with strength to continue our pilgrimage of justice and peace.”
