Welsh Muslims in show of solidarity with Christians after Sri Lanka church attacks

A woman stands among the graves of victims of a suicide bomb attack on St Sebastian's Church in Negombo, Sri Lanka, April 28, 2019 (Photo: Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha)

Welsh Muslims met Christians in Bangor as they emerged from their Sunday service to express their sympathy following the horrific Easter bombings on churches in Sri Lanka last week. 

Muslims gathered outside Bangor Cathedral as the morning service was taking place in order to greet worshippers as they left the building. 

Ayad Mawla, of the Bangor Islamic Centre, organised the symbolic gesture as a way of standing in solidarity with Christians against terrorist attacks on religious buildings.

Earlier in the week, he reached out to the Dean of Bangor to condemn the "abhorrent events" last Easter Sunday when suicide bombers attacked churches and luxury hotels, killing 253 people. 

The Bishop of Bangor, Andy John, welcomed the "gracious gesture" from the town's Islamic community.

He said, "We are all conscious that there are forces which seek to set people against each other and to create a climate of fear and suspicion.

"This gracious gesture by our Muslim friends shows we can overcome hatred and violence and I'm delighted the Cathedral in Bangor will host this meeting of solidarity.

"It builds on the excellent relationships we have established together between Cathedral and the Islamic community."

Open Doors is asking Christians to pray for the church in Sri Lanka following the attacks and has produced a prayer guide to be used in connection with the country. 

Open Doors UK and Ireland CEO, Henrietta Blyth, said: "Enough is enough. It is time the world woke up to the fact that persecution is happening every day. Everyone, no matter what their faith, should be free to worship without fear."

The organisation's partners in Sri Lanka have been visiting people directly affected by the bombings and are asking for prayers of comfort and healing.  

"Please pray for all the people who were affected by this. Many are injured or grieving the loss of loved ones. Pray for strength and comfort and for His healing hand upon them," said one partner who cannot be named for security reasons.

The charity is also asking people to send messages of encouragement to Christians in Batticaloa, Kochchikade and Katana where the churches were targeted by the terrorists.

Messages can be emailed to: messagestosrilanka@opendoorsuk.org or posted to the Open Doors Facebook page. 

 

News
How going to prison for a crime I didn’t commit changed my life – for the better
How going to prison for a crime I didn’t commit changed my life – for the better

In 2008, Wilson Femayi was wrongly convicted and sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He had just graduated from Bible college. His arrest — the result of a personal vendetta — was a devastating moment. But even in that dark place, God was at work. Today, Wilson is the Executive Director of Prison Fellowship Zimbabwe, leading programmes that are restoring prisoners and reuniting families across the country.

Christians in Africa face worsening violence, report finds
Christians in Africa face worsening violence, report finds

A new report from International Christian Concern (ICC) has revealed a disturbing rise in violence against Christians across parts of Africa, with Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Kenya experiencing a surge in attacks, abductions, massacres and forced displacements.

Peace in turbulent times: 12 Bible verses to anchor your soul
Peace in turbulent times: 12 Bible verses to anchor your soul

It's easy to feel overwhelmed, helpless, or even afraid when the world seems to spin out of control. But as believers in Christ, we are not left to face these storms alone.

Nicaragua crackdown on Christianity deepens amid political power grab
Nicaragua crackdown on Christianity deepens amid political power grab

A new policy brief released by Open Doors has exposed as a systematic campaign of repression against Christian communities in Nicaragua.