Attacks in Afghanistan

We utterly condemn the recent attack on, and killing of, innocent UN staff on 1 April by protestors in Afghanistan and further attacks and deaths since then. We condemn unreservedly all attacks on non-Muslims by those who claim to be acting on behalf of Islam or with any Islamic justification.

 

We mourn the loss of all lives in Afghanistan and pray for their families, friends and for those who have been injured. We plead for recognition of the sacredness of human life, especially when there are tensions and provocations.  

 

The attacks in Afghanistan followed a protest against the recent burning of the Qur’an in Florida. As religious leaders of both faiths we deplore any desecration of our sacred texts. Such actions are not in keeping with our religious values. We urge all religious leaders and people of faith to show respect for each other’s scriptures. We ask fellow Christians and Muslims to join with us in condemning acts of violence and provocation.

 

We commend the work of the Christian Muslim Forum, which seeks to build strong, committed relationships and better understanding between Christians and Muslims in England. We mention, in particular, our Local Encounter Letter which makes a joint commitment to better relations, encourages speaking ‘generously of other faiths, scriptures and worshippers’ and showing ‘solidarity with each other at times of distress’.

 

Rt Revd Dr Richard Cheetham, Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra

 

 

Statements from the Methodist Church in Britain can be seen here