WCRC General Secretary on atrocities in Kenya and Pakistan

This week-end the world was hit by news of two heinous atrocities. On Saturday, we were shocked to hear of the attacks on Westgate Mall in Nairobi leading to more than 60 deaths and injuries to many more. On Sunday, innocent people who simply went to worship in Peshawar, Pakistan, had their lives cut off by a suicide bomber.  The result was almost 80 persons dead and more than 120 injured. We are outraged by these criminal acts and the death and destruction that they leave in their trails. We call on all people of faith, Christians, Muslims and all others to redouble efforts to do everything possible to both condemn these acts and to build communities of peace and resistance. Religious sentiments must not be used for destruction.

Our hearts go out to the victims and their families in both Kenya and Pakistan. Let us pray for them. These attacks remind us that overcoming violence is still a challenging task. As we pray for God to lead us to justice and peace, we cannot let these atrocities discourage us. We need to continue all efforts at overcoming violence.