Gujarat Christian forum condemns attack, prays for Mumbai victims

Adding to the list of Christian bodies that condemned the Mumbai massacre is the 'Gujarat United Christians Forum for Human Rights' (GUCFHR) that urged "citizens from all walks of life to stand united in our endeavor to fight terrorism and in fact, every form of violence."

"We sympathize with all those families who have lost their near and dear ones and very specially the families of those brave soldiers who gave up their lives while protecting others," they said, adding "We once again appeal to those who indulge in violence, to give up these acts immediately. Violence in any form is unacceptable and it has never been a solution to the problems we face."

"We live today in a country which is becoming more and more polarized due to painful divisions in the name of religion, nationality, language, ethnicity. We call upon all those in governance, to build bridges rather than divide; to safeguard the Constitutional rights of every single citizen."

All major Churches in Gujarat will hold special prayer services on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December 2008, for the victims and for peace to prevail in the country.

"Our prayer will be that the message of Jesus: of love, peace and non-violence, may touch the hearts of every citizen of our country and that those who have been affected by this tragedy in any way, will experience that comfort which only God can give," said its convener, Fr Cedric Prakash sj.