Vienna: The KAICIID Board of Directors, consisting of representatives of five religions - Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism - unanimously condemns the deliberate attacks on peaceful worshippers gathered at Imam Al-Sadiq mosque in Kuwait, on civilians in Sousse, Tunisia, and the attack in Lyon, France on 26 June 2015, and any act of intentional violence, especially when this is done in the name of religion.

We extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to the victims’ families and communities.

Violent and criminal acts in the name of religion are a desecration of religion. These attacks are meant to spread fear and suffering through the targeting of innocent civilians, with the sole aim of sowing the seeds of conflict and mistrust among us. We call on all people of goodwill in this time of grief to stand together in solidarity and in dialogue to reject any attempt to divide us.

These vicious and reprehensible acts harm people of diverse cultural and religious identities. We call upon all who treasure peace and diversity to transform prejudice through dialogue to seek mutual respect.