The Executive Committee of the Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) joins the United Nations and the World Council of Churches in urgently calling upon the Sri Lankan Government to ensure that the Tamil civilian population, who are the victims of the on-going war, are granted protection and assured of safe sanctuaries where humanitarian aid may be administered to them by International Relief Agencies.
The CCM stands in solidarity with the National Christian Council in Sri Lanka, in calling for the immediate end to the ethnic violence, and a return to peaceful negotiations, within the framework of a just settlement on the ongoing conflict.
The CCM expresses its concerns of the arrest and detention of Mr. Shanta Fernando, the Executive Secretary of the Justice and Peace Commission of the National Christian Council.
We join all regional and international ecumenical organizations in calling for his immediate release. The government should further investigate the circumstances of his arrest., as the actions surrounding his detention did not follow the procedures prescribed by existing laws.
The Churches in Malaysia expresses its solidarity and prayers to the churches in Sri Lanka and with the thousands of civilians whose lives are threatened by the continuing war.
War and violence is not the answer to secure lasting peace, but dialogue and the protection of the rights and aspirations of all citizens. While the position of the majority Singhalese enjoys the protection of the government, the position of the Tamils, Muslims and other minorities in Sri Lanka should be safeguarded at all costs.
Rev. Dr. Thomas Philips
President, Council of Churches of Malaysia
Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri
General Secretary, Council of Churches of Malaysia
24 April 2009
The Micah Mandate is a Christian-based public interest advocacy ministry that seeks a transformation of our nation through justice, mercy and humility.
