Washington D.C. – Church World Service expressed sorrow and grave concern today over Tuesday’s violence in Libya that led to the death of U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and three U.S. consulate staff members in Benghazi and wounded Libyan citizens.
In a statement this morning from CWS President and CEO the Rev. John L. McCullough, the faith-based agency, which provides relief and development assistance in the Middle East and regions worldwide, also has expressed condemnation of inflammatory “public actions and media creations which denigrate religious leaders and religious faiths.”
Complete statement:
We at Church World Service are saddened and dismayed by the violence which has taken the lives of Ambassador Chris Stevens, three members of the U.S. consulate staff, and wounded Libyan citizens in an attack upon the U.S. consulate in Benghazi. Nothing can justify these acts. This and all such acts of violence must be condemned by people of good will. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the families of Ambassador Stevens and the other victims of this attack. We commend and thank all those – Libyans and Americans – who resisted the attack and gave aid and comfort to the survivors.
As described in news articles, a video published on the internet that denigrates Islam has been cited as a reason for this action. Church World Service condemns public actions and media creations which denigrate religious leaders and religious faiths. In the fulfillment of its mission to eradicate hunger and poverty and promote peace and justice around the world, Church World Service works with people of different faiths and beliefs, affirming mutual respect, solidarity and cooperation, in order to address the common, global challenges faced by all. Church World Service appeals to all people of faith to join together in this work.
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