Aid to the Church in Need condemned the desecration of a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon and called for accountability and respect for religious freedom amid ongoing conflict in the region.
The group issued the statement after images circulated showing the destruction of the statue. In public statements released April 19 and 20, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed the images were authentic and involved one of its soldiers deployed in southern Lebanon.
ACN said it “expresses its deep sorrow at the desecration of a sacred Christian symbol and firmly condemns this act,” while conveying “its full solidarity with the local Christian community in Lebanon, which has already endured years of insecurity and instability.”
“Respect for religious symbols and places of worship is a fundamental principle, even – and especially – in times of conflict,” the group said, adding that “No circumstance can justify acts that wound the religious dignity of communities or show contempt for what is sacred to them.”
The organization noted that an investigation has been initiated and that steps toward accountability and restoration have been announced, stressing that “Such measures are essential to uphold respect and help prevent similar acts in the future.”
“Their transparent and credible implementation will be important in reaffirming respect for what is sacred to millions of Christians worldwide,” it added.
ACN said it “stands alongside Christians who suffer, offering spiritual closeness and concrete support wherever faith, dignity and religious freedom are at risk,” and invited prayers “for the Christian communities in Lebanon and throughout the region,” renewing its call for all parties in conflict to respect religious freedom and protect sacred sites.
