The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK) has received newsabout the terrorist attack on a group of Korean peace pilgrims that took place at9I3opm(Korean time) on February 16th. 2014. The bombing incident occurred when thebus was at the Taba boarder crossing in Sinai, Egypt after they had finished theirpilgrimage to Sinai Mountain and Saint Catherine Monastery. Five people were killed.including three Koreans, and many were injured. In the midst of this shocking news. weare seeking the peace of God. We pray for God's comfort and healing for the Korean and Egyptian victims and theirbeloved families and communities. As one of those killed was a congregation member ofthe Jincheon-jungang Presbyterian Church of the PCK and all 14 people injured were themembers of that church. we earnestly pray for their recovery and safe journey home.We are grateful to the Government of the Republic of Korea for their efforts in supportof the victims, to all people who are concerned. and to our overseas partner churchesand organizations for their prayers as well. We ask the Korean Government for itsdiplomatic endeavors for safely returning home the victims and for repatriation of thebody. We understand that the terrorist attack originated from the regional conflicts after "theJasmin Revolution" in Egypt and the Middle East. We strongly censure this armed attackagainst civilians as a crime against humanity which has assaulted a group of civiliantourists in a peace pilgrimage to the Holy Land. We urgently ask the EgyptianGovernment and the international society for an investigation into the cause of and themastermind behind this incident. On this occasion, we also ask the Korean Governmentand international society to expend every effort to bring a peaceful solution to thedisputes in the Middle East Area and so avoid repetition of this regretful situation. We, people of the Lord of peace, will pray for peace in Egypt and all the disputedterritories. and will work for the peace of the World continuously. We pray that ourLord comfort and heal the Korean and Egyptian victims, their families and theircommunities including the Jincheon-jungang Presbyterian Church. We cordially ask yourprayers for the victims.and for peace in Egypt and the Middle East. February 20th. 2014
The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Korea
Rev. Dr. Dong-Yup Kim |