LWF expressed grief and solidarity to the MLC. Photo: LWF/ Albin Hillert
Pastor and catechist killed in attack
(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has expressed its shock and grief to the Malagasy Lutheran Church (MLC) following the deadly attack on a pastor and a catechist on the night of 24 to 25 August 2024.
"It was with a heavy heart that we received the sorrowful news of the deaths of Rev. Francois Vivier Mbehomana, Synod President emer. of Sofia, and the cathechist Tsatombo, who were killed in an attack by armed robbers", wrote LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt to MLC President Rev. Dr. Denis Rakotozafy.
She expressed condolences to the families of the two men. "Please know that our prayers are with the Malagasy Lutheran Church during this time of violence and grief."
May the hope we have in Christ strengthen and console you, the entire church, and the families of Rev. Mbehomana and Catechist Tsatombo.
Rev. Dr. Anne BURGHARDT, LWF General Secretary
Robbery at catechist home
Armed robbers attacked the home of the catechist and his wife in Mampikony, northern Madagascar, that night. According to media reports, the retired pastor Mbehomana living in the neighborhood intervened when they called for help. After the robbers had fled, neighbors took the three victims to a hospital, where the two men succumbed to their injuries.
"We stand with you in grief and lift you up in our prayers," wrote General Secretary Burghardt to the church. "In times like these, we find ourselves confronted by the harsh realities of our world. Yet, as people of faith, we are called to hold fast to the hope that transcends all suffering and grief. May the hope we have in Christ strengthen and console you, the entire church, and the families of Rev. Mbehomana and Catechist Tsatombo."
