Hot News: Peter Kassig's parents: we need time to mourn and forgive

The parents of Peter Kassig, an American aid worker beheaded by Islamic State militants after his abduction in Syria have made a brief public statement at their Indianapolis church saying they will

Kassig's mother, Paula Kassig, read words written about her son by one of his former teachers.

'If a person can be both a realist and an idealist, then that's Peter,' she said. 'Peter has earned the right to be both... Peter's life is evidence that he's been right all along; one person can make a difference.'

Mr Kassig's father, Ed Kassig, said: 'Please pray for Abdul-Rahman, or Pete if that's how you know him, at sunset this evening. Pray also for all people in Syria and Iraq around the world who are held against their will.'

'and lastly please allow our small family the time in provacy to mourn, cry and yes forgive and begin to heal.'



^{An undated photograph of Peter Kassig with his parents Ed and Paula Kassig}

Abdul-Rahman Kassig, whose name was Peter before his conversion to Islam, was the fifth European or American captive killed by the militants, and his murder was made pubic in a video released on Sunday that showed the beheadings of at least 14 men.



^{Abdul-Rahman (Peter) Kassig making a food delivery to refugees in Lebanonís Bekaa Valley}

In early October, Islamic State had threatened that Mr Kassig, 26, a medic and former US Army Ranger, would be the next American or European captive the group would kill after killing British aid worker Alan Henning.

Mr Kassig's parents repeatedly appealed to Islamic State to spare their son, who converted to Islam in captivity. They said his conversion was a sincere process that began months before he was captured in October 2013.

Post By http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/islamic-state/11237063/Peter-Kassigs-family-we-need-time-to-mourn-and-forgive.html