We are willing to forgive those who staged the attacks - Cardinal

18 February 2021 07:35 am - 31 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Whilst highlighting that Catholics are willing to forgive those who staged the Easter Sunday attacks two years ago, archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Ranjith yesterday called for setting up of new laws to prevent such mayhem in the future.

Speaking at the Ash Wednesday Service at St Anthony’s Church Kochchikade Colombo, Cardinal Ranjith called for enacting new laws to prevent such mayhem in the future.

“We are willing to forgive those who staged the Easter Sunday attacks two years ago. There were killings inside this very church. We did not retaliate as Christians. There would have been a greater destruction if we did. We cannot retaliate according to Christian teachings. Jesus taught us to forgive and love those who harm us. He himself forgave those who killed him by nailing him on a cross. He prayed that those who killed him be forgiven,” the Cardinal said.

“However it is important to find out who really organised the April 21 attacks and to determine whether any international organisation is involved. Also it is essential to avoid such mayhem in the future and to bring in new laws to prevent such acts once again. We are not sure whether we can be satisfied with the efforts made by the authorities in this regard. Let us pray that the rulers of this country will fulfil their duty,” he added.

Also he said any international intervention should be avoided. He made this remark by highlighting that there are international forces which are determined to create disunity among the people of this country just to fulfil their interests.(YOHAN PERERA)

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Comments - 31

Errol Abeyratne Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:07 AM

Why sudden change of tune?

St. Peter Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:12 AM

Why don't you decide? Forgive or Not??

ANTON Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:13 AM

JESUS WAS BORN IN ISRAEL, HE WAS A JEW , I STRONGLY FOLLOW ISRAEL PEOPLE.

cheers Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:23 AM

please do not forgive the murderers and the muslim suiciders are gone anyway but the reality is 300 innocent deaths and families are still mourning Cardinal

Ranaweera Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:23 AM

While we need to work together to prevent similar incidents in the future, we need to ensure that those who did this are dealt as per laws. Forgiveness is to release anger from your mind so that you can move on with your life. But it does not mean that criminals or terrorists should go free. The statement "Christians did not retaliate" sounds bit confusing. Then who attacked the innocent people afterwards though it was not large scale. We need to put a stop for such acts as well. But I appreciate the way the Cardinal handled the crisis from the beginning.

DillonDP Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:25 AM

Who are you to forgive, you the biggest sinner of all

Yehiya Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:36 AM

Cap is speaking.

F. Fernandopulle Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:39 AM

Dear Cardinal time to time you change your Colours which we too cannot understand you. Do you need action against the wrong doers still.

GLP Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:42 AM

True Jesus Christ forgave even the people who nailed Him in the cross. But your point varies always, sometimes you want the attackers to be punished and now you say you wanted to forgive them. What is your logic.

Roy Munaweera Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:42 AM

You are playing a double game, sorry to say - but this is the reality.

Lucky Dias Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:45 AM

May be you would have discussed this matter with the President and finally you decided to forgive. Means something wrong somewhere.

Kiris Pieris Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:46 AM

Stand still for the right Cardinal don't bend down.

Vinodh Wickremeratne Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:47 AM

Why?

H.M.Mohamed Khan Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:47 AM

Surely someone had pumped a big cash parcel to you for you to change your word.

Mark Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:49 AM

What can I say - only thing I can laugh, that's all. Do you really care for your Catholics.

Atha Katha Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:51 AM

You are now acting like an innocent. Yes, you are threatened and you are scared.

Jude Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:51 AM

Remember, Sheep YOU kill !! And Same goes with Terrorists!! Yeah!!

Prof. Thomas Arasaratnam Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:52 AM

Jesus Christ gave forgiveness I admit, but you are not Jesus Christ. Don't bluff now Cardinal.

Jude Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:53 AM

No laws can prevent another terrorist attack as long as politicians are behind the. Mayhem !#

Hanifa Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:54 AM

How many millions you got Mr. Cardinal? May be 15-20 correct?

MM. Mustafa Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:56 AM

Game.... Game.... good game Cardinal.

Dean Martin Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:57 AM

We never thought you will come into this conclusion. Oh God show the right judgement for the Killers.

Christian Thursday, 18 February 2021 08:58 AM

Not a right decision. Finally you failed.

GO-BOY Thursday, 18 February 2021 09:06 AM

God is our only Judge, his hand will move and justice will be metered in time.

Joseph Thursday, 18 February 2021 09:15 AM

All these days he was adamant that Perpetrators should be prosecuted and had faith in the political and legal system than in god. This sudden change of heart should have not come suddenly

Pradeep Thursday, 18 February 2021 09:18 AM

Now he may be fully aware who the culprits are

Bulto Man Thursday, 18 February 2021 01:31 PM

Remove your ropes and wear a Sarong and a Banda Banian man.

Nathan Kamalanathan Thursday, 18 February 2021 01:34 PM

He is political servant of elite , not a God servant

Nimal Thursday, 18 February 2021 02:26 PM

So he has forgiven the family..

Sri Wickrema Thursday, 18 February 2021 02:43 PM

Now you got to know the real perpetrators and are facing threats.

DILLAN Thursday, 18 February 2021 02:47 PM

LOOSU

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We are willing to forgive those who staged the attacks - Cardinal

Comments - 31

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