BAGHDAD ATTACK CONDEMNED BY WCC AND POPE

Church leaders, including the Pope and the head of the WCC, have condemned Sunday's attack in Baghdad, Iraq, when gunmen took hostages in the Sayidat al-Nejat Church.

World Council of Churches General Secretary, the Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, has condemned the events as a "criminal act of terror".

The death toll from the hostage standoff rose to some 58 people on Monday, including priests, women and children and Iraqi security forces who conducted a raid to end the siege.

"The fellowship of the World Council of Churches is deeply troubled by the continuous suffering of Christians in Iraq and continues to stand in solidarity with all churches as they pass through turbulent and challenging times and witness to the love and peace of God in Jesus Christ even amidst hatred and aggression," he continued.

The WCC chief added: "This is not the first time that such attacks have targeted Christian communities in Iraq. All those responsible need to be brought to justice, and governmental authorities should take their responsibility to bring safety and security to all citizens and particularly to those in vulnerable situation."

Dr Tveit made these comments shortly before delivering the opening address at a high-level Christian-Muslim consultation, which is taking place at the WCC headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland from 1-4 November 2010.

Pope Benedict XVI says that a "savage" and "senseless" attack on the Christian community of Iraq should increase the peace efforts of the churches.

“Faced with the brutal violence that continues to tear the peoples of the Middle East apart”, the Pope declared: “I renew my appeal for peace: it is God's gift, but it is also the result of the efforts of men of good will, national and international institutions. We must all join forces to ensure an end to all violence!” 

He encouraged all pastors and Christians believers in Iraq "to be strong and firm in hope”, and expressed his solidarity with them.

This latest attack comes less than a week from the closing of the special assembly of the Synod of bishops for the Churches in the Middle East, specifically called by Pope Benedict XVI to encourage the communities of the region.