JourneyOnline
The Uniting Church Partner, the Church of North India, has strongly condemned violent attacks in the city of Mumbai and appealed to the churches and religious communities to pray for peace and reconciliation.
Mumbai is the commercial and business capital of India and one of the world’s largest cities with an estimated population of more than 18 million people.
In the early hours of Thursday 27 November terrorists used heavy machine guns and grenades to attack high profile localities in Mumbai including the busy Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Taj Hotel.
General Secretary of the Church of North India (CNI) Rev. Dr. Enos Das Pradhan said the terrorists used heavy machine guns, including AK-47s, and grenades to attack the high-profile targets.
“The growing loss of appreciation of inestimable value of life and failure of accommodating one another has led to the ghastly act of terrorism in the name of fighting for religion.
“The Church of North India strongly condemns the shootouts and appeals to the churches and religious communities to pray for peace and reconciliation.
“The CNI also appeals to the civil society to start a drive against fanaticism that is mutilating the secular fabric of India.
Dr Pradham said it was a national shame that tourists from other countries fascinated by the rich heritage and cultures of India have been targeted.
“We express solidarity with those killed and taken hostage by the terrorists, particularly our friends from other countries.
“We demand that stringent laws to curb terrorism be put in place to ensure security of common people”
The Uniting Church in Australia works in partnership with the Church of North India and Mumbai is the location of one of 26 Church of North India dioceses.
Uniting International Mission Executive Secretary (Asia) Rev John Barr has asked Uniting Church members and congregations to pray for an end to the violence in India.
“Please pray for the ministry of the Church of North India as it bears witness to peace and reconciliation in volatile situations,” Mr Barr said.
Photo : WORLD NEWS
