German Christians in Mourning Over Christmas Market Attack

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Christian churches in Germany are mourning with the loved ones of those who lost their lives or suffered injuries during the terrorist attack on a Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg on Friday, Christian Daily International (CDI) reports.

The attack was carried out by 50-year-old Saudi refugee Taleb Al-Abdulmohsen, who was taken into custody after driving a car into a crowd of people at the market on December 20. The motive for the murderous assault has not been clarified. Media reports have noted Taleb expressed support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party whom he praised for fighting the same enemy as him “to protect Germany.” In any event, it is believed he acted alone.

Meanwhile, Christian communities have expressed their condolences and shock at the attack, offering emergency chaplain services and standing with the mourning families through vigils. The Magdeburg Cathedral was opened to anyone needing comfort or to express their condolences in silence and with candles, CDI reports.

Amid the outpouring of condolences offered by Christian leaders, the evangelical Idea magazine quoted the regional bishop of the Evangelical Church in Central Germany (EKM), Friedrich Kramer (Magdeburg): “We are horrified by the terrible events at the Magdeburg Christmas market. Our prayers and thoughts are with the victims and their families.”

Expressing their shock and grief, the chairwoman of the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), Bishop Kirsten Fehrs, and the chairman of the German Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Georg Bätzing, said their churches are in mourning, feeling “horror, grief, and sympathy,” and praying for those affected.

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