CLEVELAND, Tenn. (AP) - The parents of an American aid worker slain in Africa have issued a statement on the eve of his funeral -- forgiving his killers "by the grace of God," but asking for justice.

Christopher Leggett's funeral is set for this afternoon in Cleveland, Tennessee.

The 39-year-old Leggett was shot to death last week near the school he helped run in Mauritania.

An Arab TV station aired a statement issued by an al-Qaida spokesman who said the group killed Leggett because he was allegedly trying to convert Muslims to Christianity.

The statement from Leggett's parents says, "By the grace of God, we have forgiven the individuals who committed this terrible act." But they also hoped that justice would be done.

The parents say the Leggett family, including their son's wife and their four children, "love the people and country of Mauritania."

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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