Statement on the killing of Osama Bin Laden by The Methodist Church

The Methodist Church in Britain has issued the following statement on the death of Osama Bin Laden in a raid on his compound by US Special Forces. 

Christine Elliott, Secretary for External Relationships, said: “We cannot rejoice in the death of another, even if that person is regarded by many as a threat. Proverbs 24:17 says ‘Do not rejoice when your enemies fall, and do not let your heart be glad when they stumble’. 

"Osama Bin Laden favoured an ideology that was destructive over the principles of basic humanity and mainstream Islam. He took responsibility for and celebrated the 3,000 deaths of 9/11 as well as other atrocities, and his language of intolerance lives on. Some like to speak of a “War on Terror” but references to war are ultimately unhelpful. 

"Across the Middle East we are experiencing momentous political change led by ordinary people. A far-reaching tolerance of diverse cultures and a search for the peace and well-being of all must become the order of the day. It is imperative that we work for peace and justice.”