Unite to reject violence and efforts to divide communities

The KAICIID Board of Directors, consisting of representatives of five religions - Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism - issued today the following statement following the bombing at the Manchester Arena, the UK on 22 May 2017:

“We are horrified by the recent murderous attack on young adults and children attending a musical concert in Manchester in the United Kingdom. 

We reject and condemn all acts of violent extremism and terror that aim to divide people by spreading fear and mistrust. In these difficult times, we extend our heartfelt condolences to families and friends who have lost loved ones. 

We must continue to unite against violence, especially violence in the name of religion. Let us not allow these attacks to harden our hearts, but rather let us continue to act in kindness. 

Let us lend our helping hands to one another and support each other in the face of the terror that tries to split our communities. Let us unite for peace by bringing the truth back into focus that all religions seek peace and seek to be part of the solution.”

 

About the Board of Directors

KAICIID is an intergovernmental organization mandated to promote dialogue among different religious and cultural groups to promote justice, peace and reconciliation and to counteract the abuse of religion to justify violence. The Centre is governed by a multi-religious Board of Directors, consisting of representatives of five religions - Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism.

They are, in alphabetical order: Dr. Hamad Al-Majed, Dr. Kezevino Aram, His Excellency Bishop Miguel Ayuso, His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel, Dr. Sayyed Ataollah Mohajerani, Reverend Kosho Niwano, Reverend Mark Poulson, Chief Rabbi David Rosen and Dr. Mohammad Sammak.