Global Ministries, Disciples, and UCC leaders share prayers and solidarity with Sri Lanka
To Rev. Heshan De Silva, president and Rev. Maxwell Doss, general secretary, National Christian Council of Sri Lanka
Dear Friends,
We are very sad to hear about the multiple bomb blasts in churches and hotels in Colombo, Batticaloa and Negembo that killed 207 people and injured 450 others on April 21, 2019.
We write this to assure you of our prayers for the families of those killed and for those injured in these acts of terror. We also express our solidarity with you in this time of adversity and as you hold on to your vocation of peace.
We are also shocked to know that many of those killed and hurt were those who had gathered in churches to celebrate Easter. These tragic events once again warn us of the phenomena of increasing religious intolerance and attacking places of worship in many parts of the world. These also reiterate the need to work in partnership with all people of good will to counter these forces of hatred and to nurture a culture of peace. Therefore, we also pray that God may grant courage and strength to all communities– Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Muslim and all others, as you stand together as one people.
We, in the United Church of Christ, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Global Ministries, assure you all in the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka, especially the Church of American Ceylon Mission, of our partnership and accompaniment as you strive for peace and justice for all people of your nation and celebrate the triumph of life over these forces of death.
We believe that we are called to witness to God’s unconditional love for all people as an expression of our faithfulness to God. “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Romans 14: 19).
Yours in Christ,
In solidarity and with prayers,
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John Dorhauer |
Terri Hord Owens |
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Jim Moos |
Julia Brown Karimu |
Deenabandhu Manchala
Area Executive, Southern Asia, Global Ministries