As members, friends, and observers of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, we note with grave concern the horrific attack on St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in the town of Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria, and on the worshippers gathering together on Pentecost Sunday.
We express solidarity and condolences with the victims and their families, and support justice in accordance with Nigeria’s rule of law.
We recognise the complex drivers of violence and conflict in Nigeria. Religious identity can be a factor in incidence of violence and individuals, including both Christians and Muslims, have been victims.
We join with Nigerian leaders – political, civic and religious – from different religions or beliefs seeking to uphold respect for human rights and religious freedom for all.
The following IRFBA members associate themselves with this statement: Australia, Brazil, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.