SHILLONG: Anguished over the terror attack on Catholic churches and hotels in Sri Lanka during Easter, the Archbishop of Shillong Archdiocese, Dominic Jala prayed for the conversion of hearts of people who are prone to terrorism.
“We are shocked to hear of the attack on churches and the hotels. It is an attack on all Christians and we share the grief as one community”, the Archbishop said in his response to the incident.
While condemning the incident, the Archbishop said the Church as a whole prays for the departed souls and wishes for the speedy recovery of those who are wounded.
According to the Archbishop, the conversion of hearts of people who are prone to terrorism is the need of the hour to prevent such attacks in future.
The Presbyterian Church of India has also condemned the ‘cowardly act’ of extremists in Sri Lanka during Easter celebrations where hundreds of precious souls lost their lives and many were injured.
) Despite being Easter Sunday in which Christians all over the world celebrate the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ , the suicide bombers had planned and carried out their dastardly attacks to disturb peace and tranquility, cut short lives of innocents and revive suspicion and distrust, said Rev G S Lyttan, Senior Administrative Secretary, Presbyterian Church of India, Shillong.
The PCI also conveyed its sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families and also prayed to the Almighty for comfort and strength for those who were injured.
“We empathise with all who suffered from this physical, mental and spiritual trauma. We urge the Sri Lankan Government to do it’s very best to stop further heinous and dastardly acts and that it should not escalate and spread like a contagious disease. Obviously, we strongly condemn such acts not only in Sri Lanka but anywhere in the world and there is a need to work for peace and harmony”, the PCI said.
In separate tweets, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and CLP leader Mukul Sangma also condemned the incident.
“I condemn the attack on Churches and innocent lives which took place in Sri Lanka. May the Almighty give courage to the members of the bereaved families to be able to bear the loss and the strength to forgive those who have acted so mercilessly”, Conrad said.
Mukul said he was deeply grieved by the loss of so many precious lives and injuries to hundreds of people in Sri Lanka.
“ I condemn the barbaric terror attacks on innocent & peace loving people. My deepest condolences to the members of the bereaved families & prayers for recovery of all injured”, he added.
CPC concerned
The Central Puja Committee (CPC), in a meeting held at Jagannath Mandir, Thana Road, expressed shock and condemnation on the deadly terrorist attacks in hotels and churches during the auspicious day of Easter when service was on.
In a statement, the president of CPC, Naba Bhattacharjee said the meeting termed the ghastly act as an attack on humanity and offered condolences to the bereaved families of the victims, while praying for the injured and their family members.
The meeting hoped that the perpetrators will be quickly brought to justice while urging the world community to stand united against all forms of terrorism particularly maintaining sanctity of all places of worship.
