03.01.2008
LWF Urges Constructive Dialogue to End Kenya's Post-Election Crisis
No Political Justification for Loss of Life, Noko SaysGENEVA, 3 January 2008 (LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is appealing to Kenya's political leadership to urgently work toward a peaceful resolution of the post-election crisis there that has resulted in widespread loss of life and destruction of property.
In a statement issued today, LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko urges the leaders of Kenya's major political parties-the Party of National Unity and the Orange Democratic Movement-to "urgently pursue constructive dialogue to end the impasse."
Over 300 people in different parts of the country have reportedly died from violence following the disputed 27 December presidential election. It is estimated that between 70,000 to 100,000 people have been internally displaced. "There can be no political justification for the loss of life, senseless destruction of homes and property, and insecurity that have resulted from this violence," Noko says.
The general secretary points out that in its recent history Kenya had undergone a democratic political transition process that offered concrete expression of the long-proclaimed "African renaissance." The light of "this beacon of hope is being extinguished by the post-election violence targeting certain ethnic communities," he cautions.
Noko expresses the LWF's strong support for ecumenical efforts to promote national unity amid the current crisis. He equally welcomes initiatives by the international community to broker a peaceful political resolution, and urges Kenya's political leaders to accept such intervention.
"It is my earnest prayer that the people of Kenya will be preserved from violence, and that the world will respond with compassion and generosity to the humanitarian needs of those affected by the unrest," Noko adds.
The LWF has two member churches in Kenya, as well as extensive development cooperation and community empowerment programs. (300 words)
The full text of the LWF general secretary's statement is available at:
www.lutheranworld.org/What_We_Do/OIAHR/Documentation/LWF-Statement-Kenya-2008
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