We all want to work together for peace and unity

Peace was shattered on Easter Sunday, 21 April 2019.  In Sri Lanka three churches and three luxury hotels in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa were targeted in a series of coordinated terrorist suicide bombings. Later that day, there were further smaller explosions, one at a housing complex in Dematagoda and another at a guest house in Dehiwala. 

The Rt Rev. Dhiloraj Canagasabey, Anglican Bishop of Colombo and a member of the World Council of Churches Central Committee, reflected on the Easter Sunday violence in Christian churches in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa. 

Read Bishop Canagasabey's message Something positive needs to emerge  

NCCA President, Bishop Philip Huggins shares his message to Rt Rev. Dhiloraj Canagasabey, Anglican Bishop of Colombo: 

Dear + Dhilo,

Greetings in the Risen Jesus!

I just read your powerful, honest, courageous reflection on the Easter Sunday massacre ...

As you can see, last evening, I was invited to speak at the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV), at a Service organised by and for Sri Lankan Muslims now in Australia.

Your sentiments resonate with what I heard last evening from moderate Muslims aggrieved by what has happened; aware of how external influences have been allowed to fester within the Sri Lankan Muslim community.

The President of the ICV is from Sri Lanka. He is Mohammed Mohedin... His sister, Shyama Fuad, is involved in www.bridginglanka.org and you may know her.

I shall send our picture, also. (included below)

We spoke of a practical interfaith reconciliation project the Australian diaspora might support with funding. You may have some suggestions.

“We shall overcome”...You may remember the story of Martin Luther King’s Church, gathering the Sunday after he was assasinated...

The normal service did not seem what was needed. They stood around a bit stunned and confused about what to do for the best..

A chorister came into the middle of the Church and began to sing "We shall overcome” People joined in. First with rage, fury, defiance, pain and frustration. Then, in the Spirit, it became an Anthem of Easter Hope.

Much the same now, for you all, I imagine.

Be assured of our prayers and love in support of your outstanding leadership.

With prayers now in the Risen Jesus,

Bishop Philip. 

Bishop Philip Huggins, centre, at the ICV with Ms Shyama Fuad and her brother, ICV President Mohammed Mohedin

On Monday 29 April, Bishop Huggins was invited to speak at a Prayer for Victims, Peace and Unity in Sri Lanka held at the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) Melbourne.  Parliamentarians and Faith Leaders joined Sri Lankan Muslims who live in Victoria.

We all want to work together for peace and unity.