Press Release No. 15/07
16 February 2015
Brussels

The Conference of European Churches again grieves the tragic and violent loss of life on European soil. We condemn the Copenhagen shootings that left a reported two civilians dead and five police officers injured, and ended in the death of the alleged shooter.

The incidents took place on Sunday at a debate on free speech and outside synagogue celebrations of a bat mitzvah.

The attacks again draw attention to the need to uphold human rights across Europe and beyond, including freedom of religion or belief for all. Though we await more information on the motive and details of the Copenhagen attacks, we restate our clear commitment to opposing all forms of anti-Semitism and to creating space for dialogue in the midst of diversity in Europe.

“We lament the endless news of tragedy and senseless loss of life,” said CEC General Secretary Guy Liagre, “We live in hope for a Europe where all may truly enjoy freedom of religion or belief and enduring peace and security. This is our prayer for today and for every day ahead.”

The Conference of European Churches stands with the Jewish community in the aftermath of this crime and prays for the victims, their friends and families at this time.

For more information or an interview, please contact:

Erin Green

Communication Coordinator
Conference of European Churches
Rue Joseph II, 174
B-1000 Bruxelles
Tel. +32 2 234 68 42
Fax +32 2 231 14 13
E-mail : eeg@cec-kek.be
Website: www.ceceurope.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ceceurope
The Conference of European Churches (CEC) is a fellowship of some 114 Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican and Old Catholic Churches from all countries of Europe, plus 40 national council of churches and organisations in partnership. CEC was founded in 1959. It has offices in Brussels and Strasbourg