RELIGIONS FOR PEACE
GLOBAL YOUTH NETWORK URGENT APPEAL
“WE CRY FOR PEACE IN KENYA”

10 JANUARY 2008

We, representing religious young people of the world, are deeply shocked and saddened by the events surrounding the recent elections in Kenya. We wish to express our concern for and solidarity with those who are suffering and those who are seeking peace.

Our hearts CRY FOR PEACE IN KENYA.

Since the elections, which were marred by vote-tampering, there have been violent protests, and many people have been hurt and displaced. While the political efforts at resolutions continue, Kenyans are suffering and losing hope. A leading woman in the global youth network, and a citizen of Kenya who has asked to remain anonymous for her safety, has said,

People and communities that have lived side by side are looking at each other as enemies… Youth have lost the vision of a tomorrow as they raise machetes against their classmates, neighbors, mothers and young brothers. Never in the history of Kenya has blood been shed in this way.

We express our strongest sympathy and share in this hurt, as we are part of the global family.

We cannot accept this violence, but can understand some of the root causes: a mixture of conflicting political interests, tribal injustice, and social injustice. We call, not only for an end to violence, but to the addressing of these issues.

We hail and thank the peacemakers of Kenya who are continuing to offer their tremendous efforts, despite the enormous risks.

We resolve to:

• Commit to peace in Kenya, working toward a non-violent resolution
• Support efforts to resolve conflicts between political, tribal, and social strata
• Pray within our own traditions for peaceful solutions to be found
• Inform others of the crisis and how they can respond
• Work for the peaceful resolution of all conflict and injustice within our own communities

We must choose hope, as it is the only way forward. LET PEACE PREVAIL!

 

To read more about Religions for Peace action in Kenya, please click here.