WCC condemns assault at German Christmas market

Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), and Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, WCC moderator, have strongly condemned the act of violence perpetrated against people visiting a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on 20 December.

Many people were injured, and tragically, at least two lives were lost, including that of a small child, after a car struck a crowd at the Christmas market.

“We unequivocally condemn the heinous and senseless attack on innocent civilians,” they said. “This act of violence, targeting a place of joy, unity, and peace, is a stark violation of human dignity and stands in opposition to the spirit of Christmas, which calls us to love, compassion, and goodwill,” added the WCC leaders.

Expressing solidarity with the victims and the German people, Pillay reaffirmed the ecumenical steadfast commitment to peace and justice, praying for healing for the wounded and strength for the bereaved. “Together, let us reject hatred and violence in all forms, standing firm as instruments of God’s peace in a fractured world”. Bedford-Strohm added that “the attack last night spread fear and horror and claimed two lives and injured many others. Many people, including myself, are now holding the victims and their relatives in prayer. We bring our lamentation about such senseless violence before God. We will never resign ourselves to it”.