Rev. Gabriel Akyüz, the Parish Priest of the historical Kırklar Church in Mardin, condemned the terrorist attacks against Muslims in New Zealand mosques. Akyüz stated that the attacks could have been made for nationalism nor for some other reason. “The duty of religion is not to make people enemies, but to make people brothers. It is to ensure love and peace between people” he said.
Rev. Gabriel Akyüz, Parish Priest of the historic forties church, reacted to the terrorist attacks on Muslims in New Zealand to make Friday prayers. Rev. Akyüz said that the terror attacs are not related to Christianity:
“I don’t think that this evil has been committed in the name of Christianity. Because when we look at Europe, the religion is not practiced anymore. So is in Australia and in New Zealand. I don’t expect it to be done in the name of religion. It may have been for nationalism or for other reasons. The Bible tells us about love, about not stealing, acting righteously. When the ones who say a bad word to their brothers, are given such a big penalty; what will be the punishment for a man to kills his brothers?”
NO EVIL CAN BE COMMITTED IN THE NAME OF GOD
Akyüz pointed out that the Bible is based on love, continued his words: “Our message is that people should not hate each other in the name of religion. If religion will make us enemies, we must stay away from it. The duty of religion is not to make people enemies, but to make people brothers, ensuring love and peace between people. Therefore, we condemn this act of violence and hatred. Religion is happiness, a spiritual institution of God. Can evil be committed in the name of God? God’s command for people is love. He created us, and He ordered us to love each other. Religion does not discriminate but unifies. Religion does not make people enemies, does not teach to hate each other. The purpose of religion is to establish peace and love.”
