WMC Statement on Easter Attacks in Sri Lanka

The World Methodist Council (WMC) strongly condemns the terror attacks on worshippers gathered for
Easter Sunday Services on the holiest day of the Christian calendar in Sri Lanka. Churches in Kochichika,
Negombo, and Batticaloa as well as hotels in the capital, Colombo were targeted.

The General Secretary of the WMC, Bishop Ivan Abrahams said; “these attacks at Easter is a cowardly
deed against innocent civilians. The WMC stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka.” He further
conveyed sincere condolences to the families who lost loved ones, wished all injured a speedy recovery
and called for prayers for all those affected by these senseless acts of violence.

Statement of the WMC on the shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand

The officers and members of the World Methodist Council condemn
unequivocally the shootings at Masjid al Noor and at the Linwood
mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand. It is appalling that believers,
gathered for worship, should be gunned down in such a deliberate,
callous and calculated manner.

As those who follow a God whose name and nature is love, we offer
our love and support to all affected by this tragedy. We further offer
heartfelt prayers for those who have been bereaved and injured in
this atrocity, praying for their healing and comfort.

In condemning these violent actions on innocent and vulnerable
persons in Christchurch, we also condemn any acts of violence on
any persons, perpetrated in the name of religion, ideology or political
stance, in any place.

An attack on persons of any faith is an attack on us all. We pray that
all may recognize that God-given diversity is a gift, not a threat; an
enrichment, not a challenge.

We urge the people called Methodist, wherever they may be found, to
offer support and solace to their Muslim neighbours at this critical
time.

World Methodist Council Statement on Terror Attack in Kenya

On Tuesday, January 15 the world witnessed a cowardly attack by Al-Shabaab, an affiliate of Al-Qaeda on holidaymakers and office workers at the DusirD2 hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya that claimed the lives of 14 people.

The terrorist assault comes three years to the day after the attack on an African Union base at El Adde, Somalia in which an undisclosed number of Kenyan soldiers were killed and a day after a Kenyan court ordered three members of Al-Shabaab be tried for a raid on a Nairobi shopping mall in September 2013 in which 67 people died.

The Officers and members of the World Methodist Council express solidarity with all peace-loving Kenyans, convey sincere condolences to the families of those killed and continue to pray for a full and speedy recovery of the injured. The Council members further condemn all forms of religious extremism and renew its commitment to Global Peace.

Statement on North and South Korea Summit

The World Methodist council enthusiastically celebrates the recent meeting between President Moon Jae-In of South Korea and Kim Jong-Un of North Korea. After more than 70 years of separation, the historic meeting is a welcome first step toward peace, reunification, and denuclearization on the Korean peninsula. World Methodist Council President, Rev. Dr. J.C. Park stated, “The recent meeting gives me hope that peace is a very real possibility between our two countries. I encourage everyone to pray for the future meetings and negotiations that will hopefully result in improved relationships and denuclearization on the Korean peninsula.”

The peace talks between the two governments is particularly exciting as plans are finalized for the Roundtable for Peace on the Korean Peninsula, to be hosted in Atlanta by Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church (UMC) in November this year. The event will involve participants from the World Methodist Council, The UMC, The Korean Methodist Church, and other Methodist-related bodies as well as the World Council of Churches, National Council of Churches in Korea  (South), and the Korean Christian Federation (North).

WMC General Secretary Ivan Abrahams noted that the Roundtable for Peace on the Korean Peninsula event has been in development for nearly two years, and it is a joy to see signs of improving relationships between North and South Korea.

The World Methodist Council prays for the sustainability of this landmark commitment and calls on Christians all over the world to remember the Koreans in their prayers at this time of peace progress.