15 September 2008
Free Churches call on churches to pray, governments to act for peace
The Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church
and the United Reformed Church are calling for churches and
governments to mark the International Day of Peace (21 September)
by praying and working for peace in the Indian State of Orissa and
Georgia.
The three denominations, who work closely on national and
international issues through the Joint Public Issues Team, are
calling on churches to pray for fellow Christians in Orissa who
have experienced a wave of persecution and violence in recent weeks
from Hindu extremists and for the local authorities in the Indian
state to do more to halt the religious attacks.
The Revd Roberta Rominger, General Secretary of the United
Reformed Church says, "Our partners report harrowing accounts of
the violence in Orissa in which Christians, including priests and
nuns, have been killed, raped or tortured. Over 150 churches have
been ransacked and over 1,000 homes have been burnt down. We urge
the Indian State and national authorities to intervene to prevent
any further violence. The state authorities have failed to protect
vulnerable people with tragic consequences. People's confidence in
the police and justice system needs to be rebuilt. Our thoughts are
with those who have fled their homes and those who are living in
fear. We also offer our prayers and support to Hindu and Christian
leaders who are working to resolve the underlying tensions between
communities."
The denominations are also keen for churches to pray on 21
September for relations between Russia, Georgia and the West
following the military dispute in South Ossetia in August. They
call on the UK government in particular to work for a just and
peaceful resolution of tensions in the region.
Graham Sparkes, Head of the Faith and Unity Department at the
Baptist Union of Great Britain, says, "Humanitarian aid has already
been sent to our partners in the region. But beyond the immediate
need for shelter, clothing and medical assistance, is the deeper
need for a just peace that will prevent future conflict. Russian
and Georgian Christians plan to meet later this month as a sign of
their commitment to seek reconciliation and reject violence. We
want to see that same commitment from politicians on all
sides."
The Revd Stephen Poxon, President of the Methodist Conference,
believes praying for peace and reconciliation in Orissa and Georgia
is living out the gospel message. "Love is at the heart of the
Christian gospel. It should be remembered that Jesus' instruction
to "love your neighbour" was given at a time of social conflict and
occupation. We see in Orissa, Georgia and elsewhere people of all
faiths taking big risks to break down barriers and build
understanding. The miracle of the God's love is its capacity to
overcome hatred and adversity. The instruction to "love your
neighbour" is given to each and every one of us. On the
International Day of Prayer for Peace we pray especially for those
engaged in the task of peace and reconciliation in some of the more
troubled areas of our world."