Press Statement
Attributable to
the Spokesperson for the High Representative for
the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
on the shooting at a church in California
New York – 16 May 2022
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, strongly condemns the attack against the Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, California, USA, that took place on 15 May, which resulted in one death and five other persons injured, according to the initial estimates.
The High Representative calls for mutual respect of all religions and faiths and for fostering a culture of fraternity and peace.
He recalls the UN Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites, developed by UNAOC, and calls on all governments and relevant stakeholders to support its implementation. He also invites the global youth and faith communities to join UNAOC’s global call to action #forSafeWorship to contribute to celebrate the universality of religious sites as symbols of our shared humanity, history, and traditions.