Notre-Dame Basilica in the southern French city of Nice. Photo: LimeWave (CC-BY)
LWF leader sends condolences following killings in Nice
(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary, Rev. Dr Martin Junge has sent a message of solidarity and condolences to leaders of the LWF member churches in France in the wake of a terrorist attack in the southern city of Nice.
Three people were killed on 29 October during a stabbing attack, including one elderly victim who died inside the city’s main Basilica of Notre-Dame. Earlier this month, the murder of a school teacher outside Paris, connected to the continuing controversy over cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed, left the country in shock and led to widespread anti-terror demonstrations.
In his letter of condolences, Junge reiterates “the LWF’s long-held position that no house of worship should ever be abused to become a place of violence and murder.” He continues: “We reject any attempts to instrumentalize religion for particular interests. Such attempts are far detached from any spiritual or theological foundation.”
We pray that this shocking situation won’t erode existing interfaith relations in your country, but on the contrary, emphasize its ongoing importance.
Four years ago, the city of Nice was the scene of another terrorist attack which claimed 86 lives after a truck drove into crowds of people celebrating Bastille Day.
The LWF leader encourages all church members to “remain steadfast in the gospel message of Jesus Christ”, despite the "profound contempt for human life” shown by the perpetrators of the latest attack. “We pray that this shocking situation won’t erode existing interfaith relations in your country, but on the contrary, emphasize its ongoing importance,” he says.
