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A truck ploughed two kilometres through hundreds of people who were watching the fireworks for France's national day in Nice. The attack was of “an undeniable terrorist nature”, Hollande said. Christians call to pray.
The state of emergency, in place since November's Paris attacks, would be extended by three months.
At least 84 people have been killed after a truck slammed into a crowd of people celebrating Bastille Day in the southern French city of Nice.
A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry confirmed that the truck ploughed two kilometres through the crowd at around 11:00pm Thursday, as hundreds of people were on Nice's beachfront Promenade des Anglais to watch the fireworks for France's national day.
According to witness testimonies confirmed by a police source, the driver pulled out a gun and fired at the crowd before being shot dead.
He is yet to be named, but the identity papers of a 31-year-old French-Tunisian were found in the truck, according to the police.
"Investigations are currently underway to establish if the individual acted alone or if he had accomplices who might have fled", interior ministry spokesman Brandet said.
“AN UNDENIABLE TERRORIST NATURE”
President Francois Hollande said the attack was of "an undeniable terrorist nature", and convened an emergency meeting at the Interior Ministry in Paris to discuss the situation. He confirmed he would travel to Nice later on Friday.
Hollande announced that the state of emergency, in place since November's Paris attacks, will be extended by three months. It had been scheduled to expire on July 26.
Prime Minister Manuel Valls has declared three days of national mourning for the victims from Saturday.
WORLDWIDE PRAYERS
The hashtag #PrayForNice is trending worldwide and in France #NousSommesUnis (we are united) is also trending.
French Christians expressed their condolences: “Our sympathy and prayers to the families of the victims and the injured in the tragedy of July 14 in Nice”, The National Council of Evangelical Christians in France (CNEF), said.
In a statement (read it in English, and French) the day after, they pointed to Jesus Christ as “the only one who is capable of transforming human hearts and to offer real peace”, and called all Fench evangelical churches to organise a time of prayer during worship services of this Sunday.
The Protestant Federation of France (FPF) offered its support and prayers, and emphasised the “need to talk, and particularly to children and adolescents” to help them cope with these tragedies.
All the European governments haave also expressed their condolences. US President Barack Obama condemned "in the strongest terms" what he said appeared to be "a horrific terrorist attack in Nice".
No one in the world has shown more willingness to forgive every human being than God.
The caper is native to Southeast Asia, but it is common throughout the Mediterranean basin and in many other parts of the world.
In Western Europe today the majority of the church is made up of the relatively wealthy middle classes.
The horses of the ‘Franches’ are amongst the hardiest that exist.
Christians in politics?
What is the role of Christians serving in politics? An interview with Auke Minnema, the new General Director of the European Christian Political Movement (ECPM).
Michael Ramsden: Communicating the Gospel in today’s societies
RZIM International Director Michael Ramsden responds to questions about the secularisation of Europe, the role of Christians in public leadership and the new ‘culture of victimism’.
Michael Schluter: Relationships are the key to build Europe
The economist summarises the manifesto “Confederal Europe: Strong Nations, Strong Union” and explains why personal relationships should be at the centre of our economy, education and democracy.
Efraim Tendero: Relationship with Roman Catholicism and other current issues
The World Evangelical Alliance Secretary General participated in the Italian Evangelical Alliance assembly (Rome, 8-9 April). In this interview with Evangelical Focus, Bp Tendero talks about the need to listen to local churches and to face challenges like the refugee crisis and climate change.
Greg Pritchard: European Leadership Forum
Pritchard explains the vision of ELF, comments on the 2015 event in Poland and reflects on what it means to have an "evangelical identity".
Evi Rodemann: Youth and mission
“We want to see the youth not just being equipped, but also being multipliers”, Evi Rodemann director of Mission-Net. The European Congress took place in Germany from December 28 to January 2.
Coexistence in the church - a model for society
“Gospel, identity and coexistence” were the themes of the General Assembly of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance. Two days in Palma de Mallorca to reflect about the role of evangelical churches in society.
'Ungi kulimi changana'
Educator and journalist Jordi Torrents shares images of the Sekeleka social centre in Mozambique. About 50 children live there, many with some kind of disability. All photos were taken with permission.
The President in an evangelical church on Christmas Eve
For the first time, the President of Portugal attended a worship service in an evangelical church. It was in Sintra, on Christmas Eve.
I am not on sale
Young Christians gathered at Madrid’s central square Sol to denounce human trafficking. A flashmob highlighted the work of three evangelical NGOs which support women who escape sexual slavery in Spain.
Stamps to commemorate the Reformation
Poland, Lithuania, Namibia and Brazil are some of the countries that have issued special stamps on the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s 95 theses.
Why are Christian leaders particularly vulnerable to sexual temptation?
“The reasons why somebody might have sex with a prostitute are very different from the reasons why somebody might want to have an affair with a member of their congregation”. An analysis by John Stevens, National Director of FIEC (UK).
Be safe on social media
A video about the way traffickers target teenage girls online, produced by anti-slavery gorup Abolishion.
In Mission
A 360º lyric video about how all followers of Jesus Christ are called to serve God. Duo in Spanish (Alex Sampedro) and Portuguese (Marcos Martins).
Heart
A short animation film by Swiss cartoonist Alain Auderset tells the message of the Bible in four minutes.
Philip Yancey interview
An 8-minute interview with Philip Yancey on the role of Christians in a secularised society. Recorded in Madrid, September 2016.
An interview with Prof. John Lennox
New atheism, the definition of "faith", Christianity in Europe, the role of the Bible in mission, and the need to listen more. An exclusive interview recorded at "Forum Apologética" (Tarragona, Spain) in May 2016.
Opinions expressed are those of their respective contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of Evangelical Focus.
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