WCC condemns attack on California synagogue

Condolence messages at the Poway Synagogue

Source: WCC/Vatican Media

The World Council of Churches has condemned an attack on a synagogue in Poway, California, that left at least one person dead and three wounded.

Rev Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) released a statement on Sunday affirming that "people have the right to gather at places of worship in peace, and violence against them is appalling, whatever the motive".

One person was killed and three injured on Saturday, 27 April, when a gunman walked into a San Diego-area synagogue crowded with Sabbath worshippers and opened fire with an assault-style rifle.

Authorities described the attack as a hate crime carried out on the last day of Passover. The suspect, fled the scene but surrendered to police a short time later.

"We stand in solidarity with those who were worshipping in Congregation Chabad on the last day of Passover," Tveit said.

Reflecting on the pattern of attacks on places of worship in recent weeks, he added: "These murderous assaults on people as they gather for prayer hurt us all. In response, we must not allow our communities to be driven apart but must redouble our efforts to live together in peace and respect."