Conflict has again arisen between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE), breaking the cease-fire agreement signed in 2002.

In the aftermath of the tsunami tragedy in 2004 the Methodist Church in Malaysia is involved in a joint development project with the Methodist Church in Sri Lanka to build Livelihood Training Centres in Trincomalee and Thirukovil. (This was featured in the Jan/Feb 2005 issue of Pelita Methodist.) Trincomalee is one of those areas affected by the most recent outbreak of hostilities.

In a Pastoral Letter from the National Council of Churches Sri Lanka, the heads of the constituent churches called for a true Christian response to the suffering and conflict.

"There are many who are internally displaced. Numerous stories are heard of brutality, fear, uncertainty and helplessness from all parts of the country. There seems to be growing hatred in some parts of the country."

Churches are encouraged "to continue in your pastoral ministry in creative ways through prayer, preaching, presence and assistance where ever possible…. While our pastoral ministry continues we encourage you to also engage in a prophetic ministry to voice the alternate gospel view in or-der to bring sanity and build bridges towards reconciliation."

The World Council of Churches in a statement on 5 September expressed its "deep concern at the widening rift between the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities and the lethal escalation of armed violence …"

It called for both sides to respect the terms and conditions of the 2002 cease-fire agreement. And the ecumenical community is urged "to remain in constant prayer for the people and churches of Sri Lanka … to strengthen their efforts towards the restoration of peace and community integration in their war-torn country."

Let us pray with our brothers and sisters in these difficult times in their country.