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Archbishop of Canterbury's statement on London terrorist attacks
July 7, 2005
[ENS, Source: Lambeth Palace] -- The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, has spoken of his horror and grief following the explosions in London this morning. Speaking while on an interfaith visit to West Yorkshire, England, Williams said:
"The appalling events in London this morning have shocked us all. So I want first and foremost to extend my personal sympathy and condolences to everyone who is suffering and grieving at this time.
"All those caught up in this tragedy -- and that includes of course the emergency services whose selfless dedication and commitment is so vital at times like this -- all are in my own prayers and in the prayers of a great many people.
"As it happens I have spent this morning with Muslim colleagues and friends in West Yorkshire; and we were all as one in our condemnation of this evil and in our shared sense of care and compassion for those affected in whatever way.
"Such solidarity and common purpose is vital for us all at this time of pain and sorrow and anger.
"We in the faith communities will have to continue to stand and work together for the well being of our nation and for our shared understanding of the life that God calls us to. I hope that we shall all keep that vision alive at this deeply sad and testing time."
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Presiding Bishop's statement on attacks in London
[ENS] The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, USA, spoke from Armenia where he is in the midst of a visit to the Armenian Apostolic Church.
My prayers and those of the Episcopal Church in the United States embrace all who have died and have been injured in yesterday's attacks in London. We pray as well for their families and friends. Through this tragedy we are put in mind once again of our common vulnerability.
In order to win the "war on terrorism" we must address its underlying causes and win peace in the Middle East. The three Abrahamic faiths are called to be the servants of God's peace which embraces all people and alone can overcome the fears and hatreds that divide us and prevent us from regarding one another as God's beloved children. May all who call God Father and the Compassionate One be drawn together in a renewed commitment to peacemaking for the sake of God's world.
The Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church, USA
Yeravan, Armenia
July 8, 2005
The Bishop of London Richard Chartres Reacts to the Bombings
07/07/05
"The attack on London is not an attack on Presidents and men of power but an attack on ordinary Londoners travelling to work by bus and tube. The bombs went off without warning and were obviously intended to cause indiscriminate slaughter of Londoners, Christians and Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs all without distinction.
"At 4 pm we are holding a special service in St Paul's. My prayer today is for those who are maimed, injured and bereaved, a prayer also for those who are anxious and fearful.
"But also my prayer for and with all Londoners is that we may show the spirit of this city, a spirit of unity, a spirit of defiance and a spirit of compassion for all who are suffering. One immediate and practical problem is how to care for the thousands who are stranded and I know that the churches are playing their part in offering emergency shelter.
"On Wednesday evening St Paul's Cathedral was packed with Londoners come to listen to the Secretary General of the UN and the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what can be done to tackle poverty in the world. The atmosphere was electric and the determination to do something practical to help was obvious. That is the real agenda in today's world. By contrast this act of violence is a cruel irrelevance. It is useless to speculate on the state of mind of the people who cold bloodedly planned and executed this atrocity, but it is a sin against God and against every decent human feeling.
"I am full of admiration for the way in which the emergency services have responded. I have had a stream of reports from clergy on the spot and I have been very proud of the way they have worked along side the emergency services. The response has been prompt and magnificent. Churches in the vicinity of the bombs have been open for prayer, comfort and practical assistance."
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