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The ability to worship freely and without fear is at the very core of the fundamental human right to religious freedom. This right was brutally violated in Kasindi in North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday 15 January 2023 when a group linked to the so-called ‘Islamic State’ detonated a bomb during a church service.
At least 12 members of the parish of the 8th Community of Pentecostal Churches of Congo are reported to have been killed, and more than 50 wounded. We pray for the bereaved families and community, and for the wounded. We denounce this despicable attack, the perpetrators of which must be apprehended and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
We call on the authorities of the DRC to make every possible effort in this regard, and to ensure the protection of all people in the DRC from such attacks and that all may live and worship in peace and security.
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
World Council of Churches general secretary
