Statement of the President and General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation
The Lutheran World Federation is shaken by the recent attacks in Beirut and Paris. It condemns in the strongest possible terms these contemptible acts and expresses its condolences to all who suffer from the loss of many lives caused by these attacks. The hatred of a few minds and hearts has once again found its way into the public space, demanding a place and pretending that it imposes its evil reasonings and logic on society at large.
This time calls for a healthy moderation. The logic of exclusion and of disrespect for human life must be firmly rejected, as must the totalitarian insistence that seeks to impose hatred and fear of the other as the basis for social interaction.
This time calls for people of good will and followers of various religions to come together and work for peace, justice and respect for human life, including love for one’s neighbour. Attacks similar to the recent ones must not rob us of courage, but must spur us on to an even more courageous witness to peace with justice.
This is the time for churches, synagogues and mosques to pray and work even harder for peace within their communities and among them, and to do so together whenever it is possible. There is only one possible answer when it comes to justifying violence with religious motives: no!
We hold firmly to the vision expressed in Psalm 85:
“Mercy will meet with truth, righteousness will kiss peace.”
Rev. Dr. Munib Younan,
President of the Lutheran World Federation
Rev. Dr. Martin Junge,
of the Lutheran World Federation
General Secretary
14 November 2015
In Geneva
Translated by: LELBāL pastor Ieva Puriņa
Proofreading: Milda Klampe