Statement from the Collegium on the church bombing in Pakistan

The United Church of Christ mourns with the many who have been affected by the suicide attack on All Saints Church in Peshawar, Pakistan, earlier today. The loss of more than 80 lives and the more than 120 who were injured–overwhelmingly Christian, but Muslims as well–as a result of the attack is deplorable….

From the Collegium of Officers of the United Church of Christ (September 24, 2013):

The United Church of Christ mourns with the many who have been affected by the suicide attack on All Saints Church in Peshawar, Pakistan, earlier today.  The loss of more than 80 lives and the more than 120 who were injured–overwhelmingly Christian, but Muslims as well–as a result of the attack is deplorable.  We hold in prayer the Christian community and all who have been affected, particularly as they live in a situation of heightened fear.

The All Saints attack comes on the heels of the Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya, in which more than 60 people have been killed over the past few days.

These two incidents remind us of the ways in which religion can be manipulated to justify violence.  The United Church of Christ strongly condemns all violence, and especially that in the name of religion.  We strive for a world in which faith can be a source of community edification and peace building, and a justification for promoting justice and harmony, rather than violence and disunity.

We offer our solidarity and support for the victims and the affected communities.  We offer our prayers for peace, and for reconciliation for people living in the midst of crisis, and the threat of conflict.  And we offer our commitment to justice so that many of the motivations to carry out violent acts are eradicated.  

The Rev. Loey Powell
Executive Associate to the General Minister and President
United Church of Christ
Prospect Ave., Cleveland OH 44115
216.736.2113 (office)  216.548.6159  (cell)
powelll@ucc.org