WCC leader calls for an end to Syrian violence
Worship service in Damascus, 2008.
Voicing an appeal for the renunciation of violence by all sides in ongoing political conflict in Syria, the general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) has stated, “it is particularly urgent that the army and government security agencies cease the indiscriminate use of force” against demonstrators, moving instead to protect all Syrian citizens’ lives, dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit quoted a portion of the message adopted in May 2011 by 1,000 participants at the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation, held near Kingston, Jamaica: “With partners of other faiths, we have recognized that peace is a core value in all religions...”
“It is in that spirit,” the WCC general secretary continued, “that we call upon all who have been caught in the tragic cycle of confrontation within Syria: Stop the violence and killing. Seek a just peace for all.”
Tveit’s public statement concludes with these words: “May God bless Syria, and heal the wounds of the nation.”
