World Council of Churches Condemns Mosque Attack in Egypt's Sinai

WCC

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit has condemned the attack on a packed mosque in Egypt's restive North Sinai province on Nov. 24, killing least 235 worshippers in a bomb and gun assault, in the country's deadliest terror attack in recent memory.

People fleeing an explosion at al Rawdah mosque were gunned down by gunmen who were waiting outside the mosque. There were at least two explosions reported.

The state prosecutor said that 235 people were killed and 109 wounded in the attack.

Tveit expressed sorrow for the lives lost and their families and friends. He also urged people to continue to stand united against such violence.

"We must condemn this attack on our Muslim brothers and sisters as a devastating disregard for human life," he said, "and so painful to confront when people who are worshipping are targeted. We stand beside you, we walk with you and we will not allow this heinous act to divide us."

Tveit wrote to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, His Eminence Professor Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb, and expressed his profound condolences.

"We pray that our Lord grants them comfort and healing," he wrote.

"We condemn strongly this tragic attack against our Muslim brothers during prayer time, in a place of worship dedicated to peace and devotion," he added.

Violence cannot be related to any religion. It kills all people of faiths, against mosques and churches, said Tveit.

"We believe that evil cannot prevail over God's light and goodness," he wrote.

"We appeal to President Abd al-Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt, to religious leaders and to governments across the region to ensure security in the face of violence and to guarantee justice for all people," he added.

Tveit also reiterated the WCC's efforts countering terrorism.

"Combatting terrorism and extremism in the Middle East is our shared responsibility," he wrote.

"We remain committed to our collaboration and common work for peace and justice in the world," he added.