Bern, Switzerland [B. Vertallier, EUD Public Relations Department, CD EUDNews]. January 9, 2015.
Five minutes of terror. On January 7, Gunmen shot dead 12 people at the Paris office of French satirical magazine 'Charlie Hebdo' in an apparent terrorist attack. Four of the magazine's well-known cartoonists, including its editor, were among those killed, as well as two police officers.
The attack in Paris and the subsequent killing of 12 innocent and defenseless people can only elicit a strong condemnation from all of us.
Never, people should impose their beliefs, their values and their ideas on other people with violence. Never, people should desecrate the name of God for personal justice and revenge. Never, people should associate acts of cruelty and ferocity to a religion or faith.
We pray that these facts may not develop into nationalism, extremism or actions of revenge, conflict and confrontation. We pray that nobody may manipulate these actions for individual goals. We pray that common sense, understanding, sensitivity and forgiveness may prevail.
“Are we not all children of the same Father? Are we not all created by the same God? Then why do we betray each other, violating the covenant of our ancestors?” (Malachi 2:10).
We all are children of the same Father, walking towards the same destination. That Egalitè, Fraternitè & Libertè (brotherhood, equality and liberty) may accompany our common path.
We would like to offer our deepest and most sincere condolences to the families of all victims, giving them a sincere and heartfelt embrace. They will not stand alone. Our Adventist churches in France have been, are, and will always be a center of refuge for each suffering soul in the country. May the Lord help us to comfort each person involved in that terrible crime. Our prayers are with them.