FOLLOWING the collapse of the Reigners Bible Church International, which took place last week, leaving some people dead and several injured, the World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary, Reverend (Dr) Olav Fykse Tveit, has blamed corruption which compromises construction standards and puts lives in danger.
In a statement published on the WCC website, Tveit, who called for prayers for victims, also advocated an end to violence across the world, especially as Christians were targeted.
The WCC secretary also spoke on the last Sunday’s bomb explosion in St. Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo, Egypt, which killed 25 people and injured 31 others.
Speaking further on the Uyo church’s collapse, according to the statement, Tveit, who described the separate incidents as tragic, stated that many in the country have called for an end to corruption that compromises construction standards, regularly putting people in danger.
“People gathered to worship should be able to connect with God in a place of dignity, protection and respect.
“People attending a sporting event should be able to have a sense of fellowship that is unmarred by violence. The weekend’s sad events remind us that, more than ever, the pursuit of just peace is vital on every front: individuals, governments, structures, systems,” he said.
“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.
“The Coptic church in Egypt has experienced several times in the recent years that their members and worshippers have been killed and became martyrs of their faith. The event in Cairo is a new grave example of the vulnerability of the Christian communities in the Middle East. This is a great concern for the whole worldwide fellowship of churches, and should be so who care for them and the mosaic of believers in this region.”
The WCC fellowship extended its prayers and condolences to all those who lost loved ones last weekend, as Tveit added that “we are mourning the loss of innocent people, of family members and friends.”
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