We are once again deeply saddened by horrific attacks on innocent lives. We condemn the barbaric terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka in the strongest terms. We pray for Sri Lankans and whole Christian world this Easter, mourn the losses and grieve with their beloved ones.

We also would like to share Mr. Fethullah Gulen’s statement regarding this tragedy.

Fethullah Gülen’s Message of Condemnation and Condolences for Sri Lanka Explosions

I was shocked and deeply saddened by the devastating news of explosions in Sri Lanka that killed more than 200 and left at least 450 wounded. I firmly condemn this horrific attack, which turned a day meant for the celebration of Easter by Christians around the world into bloodshed.

Nobody should have any doubt that these senseless attacks are not aimed at Sri Lankan people or Christians, but at all humanity. They are meant to add another incident to the cycle of violence that target peace, tranquility and solidarity of humanity.

In the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy, we should remember that every human is created with dignity by God and every human life is equally valuable. I hope and pray that this tragic incident urges us to foster dialogue, mutual respect and internalization of our common humanity, and rehabilitate those whose lives are driven by hate. I also hope and pray that humanity can come together to marginalize and eventually root out all totalitarian ideologies that use violence as a weapon.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to families and relatives of the victims and to the people of Sri Lanka and offer my prayers for fast recovery to those who were wounded. I pray to God that people will be able to congregate in places of worship and join in celebration without fear of being targeted, and this tragic incident becomes a distant memory in the pages of history without being repeated.

About Fethullah Gülen

Fethullah Gülen is an Islamic scholar, preacher and social advocate, whose decades-long commitment to education, interfaith dialogue and altruism has inspired millions in Turkey and around the world. Gülen is the honorary chairman of the Rumi Forum, Washington, DC and the Intercultural Dialogue Platform, Brussels, Belgium.

*This statement was originally published by AVSF.