H.E. BISHOP ANTOINE-CHARBEL TARABAY

Condemning the killings of Ethiopian Christians in Libya

27 April 2015

It is with great distress and sadness that we are still learning about and mourning the loss of innocent Christian lives, at the hands of an unjust and cruel adversary.

The Maronite Eparchy of Australia and the faithful people of the Maronite Catholic Church stand in solidarity with their Christian brothers and sisters of Ethiopia, and assure them of our heartfelt sorrow and prayers.

We say no to terrorism, and to war and aggression against the defenceless. Christ, the Prince of Peace, died and rose from the dead to take away the suffering of the innocent. Yet, we continue to learn of further shocking violence being perpetrated against 30 innocent Ethiopians in Libya, only because they are followers of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

It makes no difference whether the victims are Catholic, Copt, Orthodox or Protestant, or if they are from Africa, or the Middle East. They have a right to find security and peace wherever they may be in the world, while freely professing their faith.

Let their martyrdom and the suffering of all Christians remind us to be grateful for our own blessings, to be moved to compassion for our brethren, and to work so that such suffering may cease.

Let us as a community here in Australia, carry the banner of reason and dialogue for a peaceful resolution to conflict, and send this banner around the world.  We pray that peace may reign and that dialogue may win, and that all Christians may live in safety.  We offer our condolences to the families of the martyrs, and to the people of Ethiopia, and pray for the protection of all innocent lives who are in danger.

+Antoine-Charbel Tarabay

Maronite Bishop of Australia