Seventh-day Adventists have issued an appeal to end violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where an estimated 250,000 people have been displaced since fighting erupted between Congolese government and Tutsi forces in August.

In a statement released today, church officials expressed “grave concern” regarding the “worsening humanitarian situation” in the Northeast of the country. In urging both parties to cease military activities, the statement advocated peaceful methods of resolving hostilities, such as dialogue and negotiations.

Citing “Christian, moral and ethical principles of human rights and good faith negotiations,” the statement called on the international community to “intensify efforts to end the crisis.”

The United Nations Human Rights Council yesterday condemned abuses against the Congolese, singling out sexual violence and the recruitment of child soldiers, a Reuters report stated. An unknown number of civilians have died in widespread violence and looting, reports indicate.

The Adventist Church’s statement also addressed media reports claiming that Laurent Nkunda, leader of the National Council for the Defense of the People, is affiliated with the church. Although at times the Tutsi general has chosen to attend an Adventist church, he is neither an Adventist pastor nor an active church member. “His conduct and reported involvement in the conflict do not represent Adventist values and lifestyle,” the statement said.

More than 500,000 Adventists live in the church’s three administrative regions in DR Congo.