03 May 2011
Statement on the killing of Osama Bin Laden
The Methodist Church in Britain has issued the following
statement on the death of Osama Bin Laden in a raid on his compound
by US Special Forces.
Christine Elliott, Secretary for External Relationships, said: "We
cannot rejoice in the death of another, even if that person is
regarded by many as a threat. Proverbs 24:17 says 'Do not rejoice
when your enemies fall, and do not let your heart be glad when they
stumble'.
"Osama Bin Laden favoured an ideology that was destructive over the
principles of basic humanity and mainstream Islam. He took
responsibility for and celebrated the 3,000 deaths of 9/11 as well
as other atrocities, and his language of intolerance lives on. Some
like to speak of a "War on Terror" but references to war are
ultimately unhelpful.
"Across the Middle East we are experiencing momentous political
change led by ordinary people. A far-reaching tolerance of diverse
cultures and a search for the peace and well-being of all must
become the order of the day. It is imperative that we work for
peace and justice."