KNCC

An Urgent Statement

on the Terrorist Attack in Sinai, Egypt

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK) has received news

about the terrorist attack on a group of Korean peace pilgrims that took place

at 9:30pm(Korean time) on February 16th, 2014. The bombing incident occurred

when the bus was at the Taba boarder crossing in Sinai, Egypt after they had finished

their pilgrimage to Sinai Mountain and Saint Catherine Monastery.

Five people were killed, including three Koreans, and many were injured.

In the midst of this shocking news, we are seeking the peace of God.

We pray for God’s comfort and healing for the Korean and Egyptian victims and

their beloved families and communities. As one of those killed was

a congregation member of the Jincheon-jungang Presbyterian Church of the PCK

and all 14 people injured were the members of that church, we earnestly pray

for their recovery and safe journey home. We are grateful to the Government

of the Republic of Korea for their efforts in support of the victims, to all people

who are concerned, and to our overseas partner churches and organizations

for their prayers as well. We ask the Korean Government for its diplomatic

endeavors for safely returning home the victims and for repatriation of the body.

We understand that the terrorist attack originated from the regional conflicts after

 “the Jasmin Revolution” in Egypt and the Middle East. We strongly censure

this armed attack against civilians as a crime against humanity which has assaulted

a group of civilian tourists in a peace pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

We urgently ask the Egyptian Government and the international society

for an investigation into the cause of and the mastermind behind this incident.

On this occasion, we also ask the Korean Government and international society

to expend every effort to bring a peaceful solution to the disputes

in the Middle East Area and so avoid repetition of this regretful situation.

We, people of the Lord of peace, will pray for peace

in Egypt and all the disputed territories, and will work for the peace

of the World continuously.

We pray that our Lord comfort and heal the Korean and Egyptian victims, their families

and their communities including the Jincheon-jungang Presbyterian Church.

We cordially ask your prayers for the victims, and for peace in Egypt and the Middle East.

February 20th, 2014

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Korea

Rev. Dr. Dong-Yup Kim