The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) condemns in strongest terms the coward series of bombings on multiple churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on this Easter Sunday with the death toll currently passing 200 and many more reported injured.

Bp Efraim Tendero, WEA Secretary General and CEO, said: “We are deeply saddened and troubled by the news of the targeted attacks on worshippers and other innocent people on Easter Sunday. As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we now also mourn the loss of lives due to this heartless violence. We call on churches around the world to join us in prayer for those affected, and that God’s strong and comforting presence may be with them in this tragedy. May God help them to hold onto the faith of the resurrection and experience the peace that transcends all understanding.”

The WEA also stands in solidarity with the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, WEA’s national member body, as they issued their own statement:

The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL) is deeply distressed and deplores the Easter Sunday (21 April) explosions targeting the St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade, St. Sebastian’s Church in Katana, Zion Church in Batticaloa, and three leading hotels in Colombo. The incidents in Colombo and Batticaloa, according to media reports, have left over 180 dead and several others injured. Moreover, explosions elsewhere in Dehiwela and Dematagoda left five dead, including three police officers.

The NCEASL calls on the general public and especially the Christian community in the country to remain calm and refrain from being misled by rumours during this time of crisis.

The NCEASL also calls on the government and security forces to take all steps necessary to arrest the situation swiftly and bring the perpetrators of these attacks to justice.

Finally, while offering our prayers and support to all those affected, the NCEASL calls on the national and global Church to pray for those grieving the loss of loved ones and those injured in these unfortunate series of attacks.

“…Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying” Romans 12:12

Timothy K. Goropevsek Chief Communications Officer

“This callous, horrific attack on people at worship in churches in Sri Lanka is yet another manifestation of the evil and bitterness which lurks in the human heart, and which is behind all violence and terrorism everywhere in the world, regardless of who it is who commits such acts and whoever they are aimed at. We pray that God may comfort the grieving, and that the society of Sri Lanka may respond compassionately and justly, with a renewed commitment to the freedom and well-being of all its people and faith communities.”

Dr Stuart Lange
Interim National Director
NZ Christian NetWORK