Attacks Continue to Target Religious Sites

The World Commemorates the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

Martyrs and victims... attacks and crimes... murder and violence... all of these phrases have been circulating in public life for decades now. A wave of injustice, violence, and unfairness is worsening daily amidst international silence and no action has yet been taken to hold those who should be held accountable.

International Day Commemorating the Victims

For its part, the United Nations is sounding the alarm, condemning all ongoing acts of violence and terrorism based on religion or belief against individuals, including against persons belonging to religious communities and religious minorities around the world. It has designated August 22 of each year as an International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.

Based on this day, the United Nations considers that " Freedom of religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to peaceful assembly and the right to freedom of association are interdependent, interrelated and mutually reinforcing. They are enshrined in articles 18, 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights." It adds, "Upholding these rights plays an important role in the fight against all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief."

What, then, about combating religious hatred, incitement, and violence?

This remains a long-term goal, but the United Nations emphasizes that the path toward achieving it can be characterized by open and constructive debate based on respect for ideas, as well as interfaith and intercultural dialogue at the local, national, regional, and international levels.

It is worth noting that the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief comes right after the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, observed on August 21 of each year.

Condemnations, Appeals, and Demands

Sirens continue to ring all over the world, and Church bells continue to ring in grief over the attacks targeting religious sites. The world has recently witnessed an endless cycle of violence targeting Churches and believers in Syria, Gaza, Jerusalem, and various countries in the region and around the world.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) strongly condemns every attack and assault on Churches, bombing and targeting them. They call for immediate and decisive action to hold those involved accountable and to implement measures that ensure the safety of Christian communities and all religious groups, as well as their freedom to practice their worship, allowing them to live in dignity in a state where all citizens are equal.

For their part, Church Leaders condemn all these criminal acts and affirm that places of worship must be preserved, respected, and protected under international law. They consider targeting Churches and their worshippers a violation of international law, an assault on human dignity and the sanctity of life, and a desecration of holy sites.

In their statements, the Church leaders also call on world Leaders and relevant international bodies to work urgently and decisively to achieve an immediate ceasefire, demanding that all religious and humanitarian sites be protected, and that emergency relief be provided and access to aid be facilitated.

In the face of all the statements, appeals, and demands being made to convey the voice of every human being on this earth, the legitimate question remains: Are there any ears that listen to all the pain and suffering that afflicts humanity in the depths of its heart and in the holiest moments of its life?

While awaiting any concrete answers or solutions, Prayer remains the most powerful weapon against all hatred, injustice, and malice!