"The Catholic Center for Studies and Media (CCSM) in Jordan strongly condemns and denounces the heinous terrorist explosion perpetrated yesterday on the Orthodox Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Cairo which led to the martyrdom of 25 worshippers during Sunday Mass."
A CCSM statement issued on Monday (December 12) stated that "this heinous crime indicates that terrorism targets the sacred human right to life which is protected by the law of God". The statement added that "it also targets social peace as well as it creates religious and sectarian strife, by claiming that it represents religion at a time when it has nothing to do with religion."
"This brutal crime and terrorism, which took place at a time when the Arab and Muslim families were celebrating the Prophet's birthday and when Christmas will shortly be celebrated, was carried out by hirelings in order to distort the Islamic faith on the one hand as well as to instill sadness and fear in the hearts of those who are due to head to churches to pray marking Christmas celebrations on the other."
"We, at the CCSM, reiterate the statement made by the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, one hour after the bombing of the Coptic church which states that, 'Places vary, but unfortunately there is a similarity in violence that sows death and destruction. The reaction to this violence is always the same, namely faith in God and unity in the humanitarian and civilian values.' Furthermore, in its capacity as a Jordanian center, the CCSM underlines the official statement issued by the Jordanian government which states that 'Jordan condemns this cowardly terrorist act which targeted places of worship, and confirms Jordan's clear and firm stand in rejecting all forms of terrorism regardless of their motives, sources, and aims'."
"The CCSM calls for praying during religious holidays in the churches and the mosques of the Kingdom for the souls of the innocent martyrs, where most of them are women and children, hoping that their abode will be in the Kingdom of Heaven. We also pray that their families will be supplied with consolation, patience and faith so that they will be able to transcend this painful calamity. We also pray for the recovery of the wounded and for all those who are suffering.''
"As the CCSM reiterates its condemnation of any terrorist operation taking place anywhere, particularly in places of worship, it conveys its sincere condolences to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, to all members of the Holy Synod, and to all the children of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Jordan, Egypt and the world.''
"May God save dear Egypt and protect it from any other calamitous event by a terrorist group."
