Jordan: Christian leaders condemn 'cowardly' attack on funeral

Delegation at bedside of man injured in church shooting © Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Jordan

Source: Aid to the Church in Need

Jordanian security has arrested suspects accused of opening fire on a funeral, which Christian leaders have condemned as a terrorist atrocity.

The attack on St George's Greek Orthodox Church in the village of Hamoud, Karak Governorate, on Friday (23rd October) killed nine and wounded 34 others during a funeral service.

Around 250 Christians were gathered in and outside the church when armed men arrived after reportedly following the funeral procession.

According to media reports, three suspects were arrested in a shoot-out with police during a dawn operation today (Monday, 26th October).

In a statement sent to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Jordanian priest Father Rif'at Bader said the attack had shaken the entire country.

He said: "What happened in Jordan affects the whole of Jordanian society and touches each of us deeply. It is a tragedy that has caused grief, shock and disbelief among both Christians and Muslims."

The priest said the disbelief was compounded by several factors:

"First, because it happened in Jordan - a country that has always upheld security, coexistence, dialogue and religious harmony as core values… because it happened in a church - a sacred place, a house of God, a place of welcome that should always be respected and protected… And finally, because it happened during a funeral, at one of the most delicate and painful moments for a family.

"Relatives, cousins, friends and acquaintances had gathered to bid farewell to a woman who had died the day before. It is difficult to imagine a more sensitive moment to strike people already immersed in grief.

"It is like adding one tragedy to another, wounding not only the families involved but the conscience of Jordanian society as a whole."

Expressing confidence in the country's leadership under King Abdullah II, Fr Bader said: "We have confidence in our institutions and security forces, whose duty it is to ensure justice and protect all citizens."

He also stressed that attempts to divide Jordanian society would fail.

He added: "We strongly condemn this terrorist act. But we must also reaffirm that one crime cannot represent an entire religious or social community. No one should allow this tragedy to be used to undermine national unity and the bonds of brotherhood between Muslims and Christians.

"Jordan has been, and will continue to be, an example of coexistence and harmony for the world. Those who carried out this act have wounded our hearts, but they must not be allowed to break our unity. Jordan's response to violence will always be more fraternity, more solidarity and more love for our shared homeland."

Fr Louis Salman told ACN that "Jordanian Christians express deep sorrow over Friday's unprecedented tragedy", adding that "Christian forgiveness does not mean surrendering our rights or compromising justice. They demand full accountability, as Christian blood must never be shed with impunity".

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which encompasses Jordan, also issued a statement condemning the "cowardly terrorist attack in the strongest possible terms".

ACN continues to monitor the situation and is in contact with Church leaders in Jordan following the attack.

With thanks to Filipe d'Avillez

LINK

Aid to the Church in Need: https://acnuk.org