KUCHING, April 22: A day of great joy for Christians turned into a day of deep mourning and sorrow.
The Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) is shocked and deeply saddened by the bombings of churches and hotels across Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, in which over 200 people lost their lives and hundreds were wounded by the blasts.
“On the day our Saviour Jesus Christ has risen, it is very sad and disheartening to learn that so many innocent hotel guests and staff are killed or injured, and Christian worshippers perished while attending Easter service to worship and celebrate the greatest festival in the Christian calendar.
“The right to life and religious freedom is the most sacred of all human rights under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and must be respected and upheld by the people of all nations regardless of race and creed.
“ACS strongly denounces such cruel and senseless acts of terror on innocent people and stand in solidarity to extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to all the families of the deceased victims of this heinous crime and pray for healing and swift recovery of the wounded,” said ACS in a statement today.
It added that religion was a matter of personal faith and must not to be used as a weapon or excuse for destruction and terror. There must be respect for human life and religious freedom in order for the people of all countries to co-exist in peace and harmony.
ACS called for peace, understanding and respect for human life and religious freedom to be observed by the people of all nations and also for all acts of terror to cease in the spirit of humanity and Easter.
“We appeal to the government for assistance to protect all temples, mosques, suraus, churches, chapels, sacred places of worship since we do not have the resources nor the expertise.
“ACS is committed to the work of promoting harmony and goodwill among all faiths in our state and country,” it said. — DayakDaily
