To: The National Christian Evangelical Alliance in Sri Lanka communications@nceasl.org
The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka info@nccsl.org
Catholic Archdiocese of Columbo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith absecretariat@sltnet.lk
Dear friends,
On behalf of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, I wish to express sincere condolences for those killed and injured, and for their families and church communities, in the bombings of Zion Church in Batticaloa, St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade and St. Sebastian’s Church in Katana.
We are deeply troubled that these attacks targeted worshippers in church on Easter Sunday, the most significant day in the Christian calendar. It is an appalling act to target people in a place of worship. An offence against a people at worship reverberates through the community and touches every member. An attack against one community at worship has an impact on all religious adherents. As your brothers and sisters in Christ, we mourn with you.
Please be assured we are praying for all who have been affected by these shocking and horrific acts of terror, for those who have lost loved ones and for the injured and their families. We pray also for those in leadership, as you comfort others and give leadership while you also grieve. And we pray for the broader Christian community in Sri Lanka, for peace and security.
We pray that you would be comforted, strengthened and sustained by the God of hope.
“Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
May the Lord give you wisdom and strength, courage and hope. With sincere Christian greetings.
Bruce J. Clemenger, President
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada
Author:
Bruce J. Clemenger