The Australian Council of Christians and Jews expresses our horror at the
killing of Christian worshippers at prayer on Easter Sunday in churches in
Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa in Sri Lanka, and our anguish at the
senseless, indiscriminate and savage killing of people of many nations and religions across the island.
The Australian Council of Christians and Jews strongly condemns such
violent and inhuman acts.
We express our solidarity with people of all religions in Sri Lanka, and our
deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who were killed
and wounded — including tourists from many places across the world — in these senseless and vicious attacks.
The International Council of Christians and Jews has recently condemned the widespread growth of intolerance, racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia.
We join with religious leaders in Sri Lanka in calling for the appreciation of our common humanity.
We note the overwhelming response by Sri Lankans of all faiths in donating blood in this hour of need.
We express our deepest solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka who have survived years of civil strife and division in their attempt to embrace the multicultural and multi-faith reality of their society, and hope that this violence will bring the nation together in mourning and confirmation of our common humanity.
Events such as this call on people of all faiths and none to redouble our
opposition to all forms of violence rooted in bigotry and prejudice, and to insist that leaders promote the common good of everyone, and to recommit hemselves to practising dialogue on all levels.
We believe a firm stand should be taken against racism and sectarian
violence wherever and whenever it occurs.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have suffered grief and loss as a result of such senseless violence.
Media Contacts:
Rev Dr Michael Trainor 0402 452 051
Dr Ron Hoenig 0419 183 214
Dr Philip Bliss 0408 835 862