Recent natural disasters, while causing widespread suffering, have also offered an opportunity for renewed reflection on compassion, solidarity, and hope, Bishop of Jaffna, Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin Gnanapragasam, stated in his Christmas message.
The Bishop acknowledged the ongoing grief of those affected, including the dead, missing, injured, displaced, and families who have lost homes and livelihoods. He emphasized that the celebration of birth of Jesus Christ, reminds Christians that God remains present in times of hardship, offering strength to endure suffering.
Highlighting the Tamil community’s experience of decades of conflict and adversity, Bishop Gnanapragasam praised volunteers, faith groups, and local communities for their immediate response to aid those affected, describing their actions as an expression of human solidarity grounded in faith.
Addressing the national situation, he expressed concern about continuing ethnic issues, the effects of the civil war, economic difficulties, political changes, and global pressures. He said the delay in resolving Tamil political issues continues to cause frustration among the people.
He urged authorities to act urgently, translating the spirit of unity witnessed during disasters into concrete steps toward lasting peace and a resolution to ethnic tensions, concluding with a call for non-violence, reconciliation, and mutual understanding among all communities.