A Condolence Letter from the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, PCT to the Persekutuan Gereja-Gereja di Indonesia, PGI – Communion of Churches in Indonesia, CCI Dear sisters and brothers in Christ: May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. We are deeply sorry to hear that on 13 May 2018 tragic suicide bombings took place in Surabaya. As we know from the media reports three churches including GKI Diponegoro church, a Catholic church and a Protestant church were attacked. Another bombing at Surabaya’s police headquarters occurred on 14 May 2018. The suicide bombings resulted in 26 fatalities, and over 50 people were injured. On behalf of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, PCT we write to express our sincere condolences to Persekutuan Gereja-Gereja di Indonesia, PGI, the victims and families. We pray God to bring you healing and peace and cease all violence and terror. In the love and hope of the Lord Jesus Christ, justice and peace will be realized. PCT and PGI (CCI) the Communion of Churches in Indonesia, share in fellowship as members of the Christian Conference of Asia, CCA; GKI confesses that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Saviour and the Lord of the world, the root of truth and life; PCT in its Confession of Faith confesses that the Church is “an ambassador of reconciliation” and becomes the sign of hope through love and suffering. When violence causes torment, we hope that partner churches will keep praying and support each other. Following the Lord Jesus Christ example, we bring reconciliation, peace and hope under distress and worry. May we follow the great example of the Lord Jesus Christ; to treat people who believe in different religions with respect and modesty; to learn the Lord Jesus Christ’s mercy, understanding and the way He talks in order to stop violent attacks, insure human rights and realize justice and peace. “a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.” Isaiah 42:3 “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.” Psalm 85:10 Rev. Hsieh Pao-Tsan Moderator, General Assembly Rev. Lyim Hong-Tiong General Secretary 18 May 2018 |