"At this moment we still do not know the motive for the killings," CEC General Secretary, Guy Liagre, said on Sunday.  This is a time when “Churches need to state their commitment to oppose all forms of anti-Semitism in society and stand with the Jewish community as they deal with the consequences of this heinous crime," the General Secretary added.  In these days of European Elections, Churches must underline the important responsibility of all European politicians to overcome prejudices against Jews and other religious minorities.

“Diversity enriches our societies and communities but if diversity and difference become a source of tension then it is imperative that spaces for dialogue and encounter are opened up and sustained even in periods of crisis.”  Liagre invited the politicians elected at the national and European level to fight against acts of violence and discrimination of minority communities and vulnerable groups in Europe and strengthen measures that guarantee their rights.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the entire Jewish community in Brussels and the whole country.

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The Conference of European Churches (CEC) is a fellowship of Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican and Old Catholic Churches, partner organisations and national councils of churches from all over Europe. Its vision: A humane, socially just and sustainable Europe at peace with itself and its neighbours. Its mission: To promote and empower its members, sharing their spiritual life, strengthening their common witness and service, seeking reconciliation and fostering the unity of the Church.  CEC was founded in 1959 and has offices in Geneva, Brussels and Strasbourg.www.ceceurope.org

For more information:
CEC General Secretariat
Phone: +41 22 791 6228
Fax: +41 22 791 627
Email: GenSecretariat@cec-kek.org