WCC NEWS: WCC expresses solidarity with churches condemning assassination of human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko

After the assassination of human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, statements and messages of condolences began pouring forth from churches and governments across the world. Maseko was shot in his home in Eswatini on 21 January by unknown attackers. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 24 January 2023 A South African Council of Churches statement mourned the death of the lawyer.  “The journey that this human rights lawyer and activist travelled mirrors the fearlessness of a breed of activist that paved the way for the liberation of many African countries from oppression,” the statement reads.  The South African Council of Churches expressed fear that there may well be a “hit list” of other people to be assassinated. A statement from the Council of Swaziland Churches asked in lamentation why we continue to witness the murders when everyone seems to agree that the killings should stop. “Is it because people are no longer trustworthy that they say one thing yet they do the opposite?” the message asks. “One may argue that murder have always been happening in the country which is true.” The Council of Swaziland Churches condemned the murder. “But what is more troublesome is what we see as systematic murder of certain individuals and it appears planned as it follows a certain trajectory,” the message reads. “It started with the indiscriminate shootings and killings that happened in June 2021.” The Methodist Church of Southern Africa expressed shock and deep sadness. “The church continues to pray for the peace of Eswatini and calls on the country’s leadership to give ear to the cries of the people,” reads the statement. “May peace and justice once again flow like rivers of living water.” The European Union also voiced grave concern about the situation in Eswatini. “The EU calls on the authorities to ensure the safety of all citizens, including political activists,” a statement said. “This tragic loss comes in a row of killings, arson attacks and other violent acts, which have destabilised the country over the past months.” World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed solidarity from the global fellowship, and extended condolences to Maseko’s family.  “We all mourn with the people, the churches, the communities who have lost a true fighter for justice and peace,” said Pillay. “We admired his courage, tenacity, and compassion—and he is gone as a result of senseless violence.” “Let us take an example from him and not be afraid to speak out, speak up, and take action when human rights are at stake,” said Pillay. “On behalf of the World Council of Churches, I extend our profound condolences to his family, and to all the people for whom he stood up for every day, day in and day out.” See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland