Ottawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada

Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, today issued the following statement:

“I am deeply saddened by the violent attacks against Christians in Lahore, Pakistan: yesterday’s abhorrent twin attacks against Christians worshipping at St. John’s Catholic Church and Christ Church claimed the lives of 14 and injured at least 70 others.

“Canada condemns these acts of senseless violence by terrorists, which display their utter disregard for human life and dignity. Such attacks are attacks on the religious freedom of all.

“We continue to call for a united effort within the Government of Pakistan and by its citizens to support good governance and the rule of law, to ensure the protection of places of worship and to uphold the right of all religious minority communities to practise their faiths in peace and security, free from violent attack.

“On behalf of all Canadians, we hope that protests remain peaceful so that no more lives are lost. I offer my prayers and condolences to the loved ones of those killed in these attacks and wish a swift recovery to the injured.”

src:news.gc.ca