A public statement from The Leicester Council of Faiths have been Issued in response to today’s attacks in Sri Lanka.
At least 290 people have been killed and 500 hurt in 8 explosions at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.
Public Statement (Dated 21st April 2019)
Faith leaders in the city have condemned the terrorist attacks at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka that have killed over 150 people and injured hundreds more.
The Leicester Council of Faiths, a body that brings together representatives of faith communities, are demanding an end to this terrorism and have demanded the full force of the law in catching and punishing the perpetrators of this evil.
The Holy day of Easter Sunday symbolises life for many and is a time for festive reflection of the message of the life of Jesus.
But barbarity and evil has caused the unwanted loss of life for many worshippers and innocent people. The terrorist attacks aim to sow division and hatred among people of different faiths and backgrounds.
Fayyaz Suleman, Chairman said “Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims.
All our leaders from across the faith communities have condemned these attacks and are praying for the victims and their loved ones.
We have unfortunately seen, yet again, a tragic loss of innocent life by the barbarity of the evil people that aim to divide communities.
Whether this is politically or religiously motivated, this has to stop because we are all brothers and sisters in humanity and there is no justification for this terrorism.
We hope that the perpetrators are caught swiftly and are punished for their crimes.”
Places of worship are places of sanctuary and places of peace.
The attacks on the Churches are utterly condemned. We stand united in solidarity against this evil and menace and we are with our Christian friends and communities at this difficult time.”