CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA STRONGLY CONDEMNS
THE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON MALALA YOUSAFZAI
October 20, 2012
In one of the most atrocious acts on October 9, 2012, the 14 year old Malala Yousafzai, who stood for the right of Pakistani girls to receive education and who stood against religious fundamentalism, was shot in an assassination attempt by the Taliban gunmen. The Taliban have not only taken credit for this outrageous act but also have stated that Malala “is the symbol of the infidels and obscenity,” adding that if she survived, they would target her again. Unfortunately, the perpetrators seem to have justified their attack upon Malala, quoting Quran, which in fact speaks about compassion, peace and justice. However, many Islamic scholars have publicly denounced such attempts by the Pakistani Taliban to mount religious justifications for the shooting of Yousafzai and two of her classmates.
The Church of South India,
1. Condemns the brutal attempt on the life of Malala and prays for her speedy recovery. The love of Jesus Christ, who said “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” urges us as a Church to stand against any attempt to torture or abuse children, mentally or physically.
2. Believes that Malala has become a potent symbol of resistance against religious extremism. Her courage has mobilized many in her nation to strongly protest against those who cruelly hijack religion in the name of religion. We urge the world to purge itself of those who seek to misuse/abuse religion. In line with this, we applaud the fatwa issued on October 12, 2012, by a group of 50 Islamic clerics in Pakistan against those Taliban gunmen who tried to kill Malala.
3. Supports Malala’s efforts to promote education as the vital path to opportunity and progress for everyone, no matter what their gender or religion. We implore all Governments to make sure that every girl has access to high-quality education. We also urge all to be committed toward ensuring equality, dignity and the free exercise of belief for women in all spheres of life, and particularly in the realm of access to education.
4. Honours the bravery of the young woman of tremendous courage and stands in solidarity with all those who are holding protests and candlelight vigils condemning the heinous act. It is our hope that the perpetrators of this horrific deed will be brought to justice with all deliberate speed.
5. Realizes that Malala challenges us all to struggle against religious extremism and strive towards education for all. We join with all those in Pakistan, in Asia and around the world, praying for justice and peace, and hope that Malala’s sacrifice would lead to the change that she has been fighting for.
Released on October 20, 2012 by
General Secretary - CSI Synod
&
Director - CSI DEREC
THE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON MALALA YOUSAFZAI
October 20, 2012
In one of the most atrocious acts on October 9, 2012, the 14 year old Malala Yousafzai, who stood for the right of Pakistani girls to receive education and who stood against religious fundamentalism, was shot in an assassination attempt by the Taliban gunmen. The Taliban have not only taken credit for this outrageous act but also have stated that Malala “is the symbol of the infidels and obscenity,” adding that if she survived, they would target her again. Unfortunately, the perpetrators seem to have justified their attack upon Malala, quoting Quran, which in fact speaks about compassion, peace and justice. However, many Islamic scholars have publicly denounced such attempts by the Pakistani Taliban to mount religious justifications for the shooting of Yousafzai and two of her classmates.
The Church of South India,
1. Condemns the brutal attempt on the life of Malala and prays for her speedy recovery. The love of Jesus Christ, who said “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” urges us as a Church to stand against any attempt to torture or abuse children, mentally or physically.
2. Believes that Malala has become a potent symbol of resistance against religious extremism. Her courage has mobilized many in her nation to strongly protest against those who cruelly hijack religion in the name of religion. We urge the world to purge itself of those who seek to misuse/abuse religion. In line with this, we applaud the fatwa issued on October 12, 2012, by a group of 50 Islamic clerics in Pakistan against those Taliban gunmen who tried to kill Malala.
3. Supports Malala’s efforts to promote education as the vital path to opportunity and progress for everyone, no matter what their gender or religion. We implore all Governments to make sure that every girl has access to high-quality education. We also urge all to be committed toward ensuring equality, dignity and the free exercise of belief for women in all spheres of life, and particularly in the realm of access to education.
4. Honours the bravery of the young woman of tremendous courage and stands in solidarity with all those who are holding protests and candlelight vigils condemning the heinous act. It is our hope that the perpetrators of this horrific deed will be brought to justice with all deliberate speed.
5. Realizes that Malala challenges us all to struggle against religious extremism and strive towards education for all. We join with all those in Pakistan, in Asia and around the world, praying for justice and peace, and hope that Malala’s sacrifice would lead to the change that she has been fighting for.
Released on October 20, 2012 by
General Secretary - CSI Synod
&
Director - CSI DEREC
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