WCC Head Calls for Greater Attention to Road Safety

(Photo Credit: World Council of Churches)Rev. Dr. Olav Tveit Fykse, World Council of Churches General Secretary, unveils a plaque in memory of the victims of road accidents, at the Christos Polentas park in Chania, Greece on August 26, 2012.

The head of the World Council of Churches, Dr. Olav Fykse, on Sunday called for greater attention to road safety, inviting people to consider life as a gift of God.

The WCC supports spreading awareness about road safety, said the organization's leader, Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit on Sunday.

"We invite all our member churches and all people of good will to consider seriously life as a gift of God, a precious gift that has to be protected, and not to be spoiled because of lack of respect, lack of attention or lack or responsibility toward each human being," Fykse said during a memorial service at the Christos Polentas park in Chania Greece, according to a WCC statement.

The service was being held at the site of a memorial sculpture in remembrance of victims of road accidents dedicated as part of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020).

Tveit unveiled a plaque inscribed with his prayer.

It reads: "May the God of life enable us to justly and peacefully work for the safety of all who travel the many roads of our lands."

Tveit also inaugurated a chapel dedicated to St. Christopher, known as protector of travelers.

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