After a van ploughed through a crowd in a popular tourist area of Barcelona, Spain, on August 17, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary the Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit called for an end to attacks on innocent people and a unified voice of justice and peace across the world.

“We must stand together in the face of terror attacks that we can’t understand or predict,” Tveit said. “We know we live in a dangerous time. What we can be sure of, is that the God of life wants us all to enjoy the fullness of life equally.”

Tveit expressed condolences to those who lost loved ones, those struggling with injuries, and responders who are still treating people at the traumatic scene.

“We extend our prayers to all who are coping with feelings of grief and fear,” continued Tveit. “In these very painful times, we all must be neighbours to each other, neighbours whose sense of hope can grow stronger together.” (WCC).