The Catholic Center for Studies and Media (CCSM) has denounced the execution of Jordanian pilot Muaz Kasasbeh by terrorist “ISIS” organization and called on the Churches in the Kingdom to ring bells of sadness at 12:00 noon as well as to celebrate special Masses and hold prayers at 6:00pm.
In a statement to the Middle East News Agency, CCSM Director Fr. Rif’at Bader said: “We denounce this cowardly act inflicted on our heroic martyr which came on the heels of the calls made by the Jordanian people for his safe return. Today, we pray that his soul will rest in peace as we rally behind our Hashemite leadership and all security apparatus, the watchful eye on the security and stability of this country.”
He added:”ISIS carried out a crime against humanity. Muaz is not merely a Muslim citizen. He represents the whole humanity that suffers viewing the heinous way his life was ended at the hands of fierce gangs that wear the mantle of religion.”
Fr. Bader went on to say: “We believe that religion cannot be represented by these fierce acts, since it serves as a peace factor among people and has never been a factor conducive to violence and ending other people's lives. It is very painful that this crime takes place in the first week of February when the world marks the International Week of Harmony among Religions”. He stressed that religion calls for harmony and love rather that dispute and ferocious executions.
