As tragic news filtered out of at least three different countries on the weekend of December 10-11, World Council of Churches general secretary the Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit called for an end to violence and corruption that stands in the way of a global just peace.

On the morning of Sunday December 11, a bomb exploded in St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo, Egypt, killing 25 people and injuring 31 others, according to reports from local media and the Coptic Orthodox Church.

The blast in Egypt occurred one day after 38 people were killed and 155 wounded in two bombings in Istanbul, Turkey, according to Turkish government reports. The explosions happened after a crowded football game at the Besiktas Vodafone Arena.

Also on the Saturday, in Nigeria, the roof of a church collapsed on worshippers at the Reigners Bible Church International in the city of Uyo, killing at least 160 people, according to wire reports. The church was crowded with those attending a ceremony ordaining the church’s founder as a bishop.

It had been a weekend in which tragedy and darkness seemed to be on a crescendo, said Tveit.

“People gathered to worship should be able to connect with God in a place of dignity, protection and respect,” he said.

“People attending a sporting event should be able to have a sense of fellowship that is unmarred by violence.”

“The weekend’s sad events remind us that, more than ever, the pursuit of just peace is vital on every front: individuals, governments, structures, systems, he said.

“We will forge ahead on a pilgrimage of justice and peace made stronger by faith, hope and love. The pursuit of what is just, and what is right, is more necessary than ever.”