Bishop of London, Grand Mufti of Egypt deplore Gojra killings

* Joint statement declares murder, arson or theft in God’s name ‘sacrilege’
* Call upon clergy to speak out against ‘abuse of religion’

Daily Times Monitor

LAHORE: The Grand Mufti of Egypt Dr Ali Gomaa, and the Bishop of London Rt Revd Richard Chartres, on Tuesday condemned the recent violence in Gojra targeted at Christians, in which at least nine persons, including women were killed and many others injured.

“On behalf of the C-1 World Dialogue, we deplore the recent terrible events in Gojra where at least seven Pakistani Christians were killed and many more wounded in a terrible attack,” the two said in a joint statement.

Sacrilege: “We stand with those whose lives and property have been damaged and we grieve with those who mourn. The taking of innocent lives, including those of children is deeply shocking,” the statement said.

They said murder, arson and theft committed in the name of God was both a crime and sacrilege.

“The perpetrators of this attack have committed a crime not only against Christians but against Pakistan and beyond even that, against the honor and dignity of Islam. We call upon all to join us in prayer for those affected and for a better and peaceful future for all the communities of Pakistan,” the two leaders said.

“What matters now is not merely that those who did this are brought to justice, but also that longer term problems are addressed. Security and protection for all religious minorities everywhere is a basic requirement that must be fulfilled,” the statement said.

Calling on the clergy: “It would seem that false rumours were used to inflame those who launched the attack. It is important that what is sacred in religion should not be abused, but it is also vital that there is proper protection from false and malicious allegations and such formal protections as this may require. We call upon all pastors and imams in every mosque and church to speak out against these deeds and to spread the true message of cooperation harmony and peace.”

They said “we urge too, that schools and all places of education must teach the message of tolerance and cooperation so that we can overcome differences and together build a more secure future for all”.

“The Common Word Open Letter highlighted two principles that all people of good will can share, whatever their religion is, namely that we must love God and our neighbour. We call upon everyone everywhere to ask themselves if they are living out these commandments and to explore how they can do so more fully,” the statement said.

“The director general of the C-1, Canon Alistair Macdonald-Radcliff, has been able to make a visit to Gojra and has given us a first hand account and we are grateful for the help he received from the governor of Punjab and others in Pakistan to make this possible,” they added.

The leaders said that on behalf of the C-1, “we stand ready to assist in any way that can help the government and people of Pakistan spread the message of peace and cooperation between all people and communities whatever their religion is. We hope we shall be able to make a visit to show practical solidarity in due course”.

(Daily Times)