Our hearts were filled with sadness to hear that in February, innocent people became victims of terrorism again. We keep the victims and their beloved ones in our prayers, and we are praying especially for our Christian brothers who were executed due to their belief. We definitely condemn all forms of violence committed in the name of any religion, belief or world view and that people are being pursued and executed because of their religious beliefs. It is also unacceptable to provoke others’ religious, cultural or national sensitivity. We urge international collaboration to prevent terrorist attacks and to eliminate the causes of terrorist acts (poverty, social injustice, exploitation of poorer countries and nations by richer economies). Besides condemning those committing the horrible crimes, we emphasise: those, who are responsible for the strengthening of international terrorism in any way or for the social processes which give the hothouse of terrorism, have to perform self-examination.

As community committed to the working for reconciliation, we pray to God for the ease of tensions, for the decisions of responsible leaders and for the change of temper of those who are most concerned in the conflicts.

“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”(John 17:15)

Ecumenical Council of Churches in Hungary

Permanent Council of Hungarian Catholic Bishops' Conference