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Churches head calls for end to violence and corruption following weekend of carnage

The head of the World Council of Churches has called for an end to the violence and corruption that stands in the way of peace following a weekend of carnage around the world.

The call comes after at least 38 people were killed and scores more wounded in two bombings in Istanbul, Turkey, followed a football game in the city on Saturday. The same day more than 160 people were killed when a church roof collapsed in Nigeria while in Egypt on Sunday 25 people were killed when a bomb exploded at St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo.

Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, secretary-general of the WCC, said the weekend’s events underlined the importance of the “pursuit of just peace” by individuals and governments. 

“We will forge ahead on a pilgrimage of justice and peace made stronger by faith, hope and love. The pursuit of what is just, and what is right, is more necessary than ever.”

He said the bombing in Cairo was a “grave new example” of the vulnerability of Christian communities in the Middle East. “This is a great concern for the whole world wide fellowship of churches, and should be so [for those who] care for them and the mosaic of believers in this region.”

Rev Dr Tveit added that the WCC extended its prayers and condolences to all those who lost loved ones on the weekend. “We are mourning the loss of innocent people, of family members and friends.”

Pope Francis condemned the terror attacks in Turkey and Istanbul in an address on Sunday.

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