Inter-denominational statement by Christians in Jaffna on Easter Sunday attacks

Following is an inter-denominational statement by Christians in Jaffna on the Easter Sunday attacks:

Easter is a day of hope and life. But this Easter day has been marred by violence and death on a large scale. We categorically condemn the brutal Easter attacks on churches and hotels. We convey our deepest sympathies and stand in solidarity with the families who have lost loved ones, those injured, and all those who have been traumatised and distraught by the attacks. 

Even as we mourn those killed on Easter day, we remember all those around the country that were lost during the war that ended ten years ago. In looking back at our tragic past, we also confront our own ambivalence. We reject the violence that takes innocent lives. Never again should we waver in rejecting the violence of any actor that takes innocent lives.

In condemning the Easter attacks, we resolve to put life before any agenda. We call for life that is free from fear, repression and violence. We will never equate any religion or race or even anyone with the dastardly and cruel acts of a few. We will never equate our Muslim brothers and sisters with the dastardly and cruel acts of a few.

We warn those who try to capitalise this tragedy for their own benefit. Let us be vigilant against all those who seek social and political capital from this tragedy. Let us keep patience for the legitimate authorities to investigate and bring truth soon.  We call for patience as the authorities investigate and find the criminals who have created so much mayhem. We demand protection of all, including foreigners and vulnerable communities, so that they too can feel dignified life.  We demand measures to ensure the protection of vulnerable communities, so that there are no riots or acts of violence against any community.

We demand life to all, according to the values of the Reign of God, which was proclaimed by Jesus Christ. Our grief is never a call for violence. Our grief is a call for coexistence.

Signatories:

1. The Ven. Fr. Samuel J. Ponniah, Archdeacon of Jaffna, Church of Ceylon (Anglican Church)

2. The Very Rev. Fr. P. J. Jebaratnam, Vicar General Catholic Church

3. The Rev. Dr. K. J. Arulrajah, Superintendent Minister – Methodist Church

4. The Rev. J. E. Jeyaseelan, Roman Catholic Church

5. The Rev. Dr. Vincent Patrick, OMI, Catholic Church

6. The Rev. S. S. Jebachelvan, Area Dean of Jaffna – Anglican Church

7. The Rev. N. J. Gnanaponrajah, Principal – St. John’s College, Jaffna

8. The Rev. M. Jude Sutharshan, Christian Theological Seminary, Chunnakam

9. The Rev. Jason J. Selvaraja, Assembly of God, Chavakachcheri, Colombo Theological Seminary – Jaffna Study Centre

10. The Rev. P. Thevamithran, C. S. I. Church, Jaffna Diocese, Vice Principal – Jaffna College

11. The Rev. Jurinesz Shadrach, Chaplain – St. John’s College Jaffna, Curate – St. John the Baptist Church, Jaffna

12. The Rev. Johnson Nishanth, Fellowship of Christian Churches Organisations of Jaffna

13. The Rev. T. Robert Sasikaran, Methodist Church

14. The Rev. Selvarajah Jeno, Calvary Full Gospel Church

15. The Rev. J. Antony Suthakar, Church of the American Ceylon Mission

16. The Rev. Fr. S. D. P. Selvan, St. Mary’s Church (Anglican), Kopay

17. The Rev. John Atputhamany, Holy Emmanuel Church, Urumpirai (Anglican)

18. The Rev. V. P. K. Rajah, Senior Pastor – Assembly of God, Kondavil

19. The Rev. Mathipalan, Victory Life Church

20. The Rev. P. Gunavathany, Anglican Church

21. Prof. S. R. H. Hoole, Election Commission, Member of the Anglican Standing Committee

22. Prof. J. P. Jeyadevan, Dean – Faculty of Science, University of Jaffna

23. Dr. Ahilan Kadirgamar, Senior Lecturer, University of Jaffna

24. Vasuki Rajasingham, Principal – Nuffield School for the Deaf and Blind, Kaithady

25. D. Thuseetharan, Chundikuli Girl’s College, Jaffna

26. S. Rajini, Chundikuli Girl’s College, Jaffna

27. V. S. B. Thuseetharan, Vice Principal – St. John’s College, Jaffna, Member – St. John the Baptist Church, Jaffna

28. A.H. Gnanarajan, Vice Principal – St. John’s College, Jaffna, Member – St. John the Baptist Church, Jaffna

29. S. Joseph Bala, Hudec-Caritas, Jaffna

30. K. Thiruvampalam, Methodist Church, Jaffna, President – Rural People’s Strength

31. V. Kumanan, St. John’s College, Jaffna

32. C. A. Aravinthan, St. John’s College, Jaffna

33. N. Devabalan, Foursquare Gospel

34. S. J. Robert, Our Lady of Refuge, Jaffna

35. Suren Tambyrajah, Methodist Church

36. J. S. Leonard, St. Benedict’s Church, Jaffna

37. D. Cyril Thanarajan, Anglican

38. L. R. Terranzov, Roman Catholic