Churches express condolences following death of Arafat
The World Council of Churches (WCC) has expressed its condolences to the Palestinian people following the death of the president of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat. In a letter sent to the Palestinian Prime Minister Mr Ahmad Qurei, by the director of the WCC's International Affairs Commission, Mr Peter Weiderud, the WCC recognises the commitment of the Palestinian leader to upholding the place of both Christians and Muslims in Palestinian society, as 'participants in its affairs and as shapers of its future'. The WCC also noted that the 'long road' to Palestinian statehood is not completed, and emphasized that 'true justice embraces peace, security and hope for both Palestinians and Israelis'. A peace prayer vigil to mark the passing of Yasser Arafat will take place today on the steps of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square in London, from 5.30-7pm. Source: Amos Trust