July 8, 2005 – Pope Condemns Bombings in London; Pope, Catholic and Anglican Bishops, Muslim Leaders, Express Solidarity with Victims – Reflection Questions and Prayer
On July 7, 2005, Pope Benedict XVI sent a message of solidarity to the victims of the transit bombings in London. The telegram, sent by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican Secretary of State, read, “Deeply saddened by the news of the terrorist attacks in central London, the Holy Father offers fervent prayers for the victims and for all those who mourn. While he deplores these barbaric acts against humanity, he asks you to convey to the families of the injured his spiritual closeness at this time of grief.”
Catholic Archbishops Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor of Westminster, Kevin McDonald of Southwark, Patrick Kelly of Liverpool, and Vincent Nichols of Birmingham, all expressed similar sentiments.
President of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, Bishop Amédée Grab of Chur, Switzerland, also wrote a letter to Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor regarding the situation. Bishop Grab wrote, “I know you will share my hope that there will be no thought of revenge. I think we all feel sick and discouraged in the face of the sinister power of evil, but we are also preachers of the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus, which asks us always to reaffirm our faith in God’s power over all sin and even over death itself.”
He implored that the attacks would not cause London to forfeit its values of welcoming all peoples, stating, “I know the people of Britain will react with dignity and show that they share Prime Minister Blair’s conviction that even such horrible events must never allow us to forget our values. London, in particular, has a long and proud tradition of welcoming people of every origin, and in this and other ways is a positive sign in a world where so many are excluded.”
London’s Muslims also joined with the Pope and Bishops in condemning the bombings. They wrote in a statement, “Our thoughts, our prayers and condolences go out to all the victims of this terrible terrorist attack. As citizens and co-workers of this great city, we share the concerns and fears of fellow Londoners. We use the same transport and live and work in the same buildings and any attack is an attack on us all.”
They continued, “Islam expressly condemns the use of violence against civilians and innocents. We call on the Muslim community to be fully cooperative in this situation, so we may all live in peace and harmony and continue to make London the vibrant, tolerant and peaceful city it is.”
The Anglican archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, also spoke out after the attacks, saying, “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.”
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Reflection Questions
Catholics, Anglicans, and Muslims all spoke out against the attacks. How were these statements a sign of unity among faiths and a sign of hope for healing in the future?
Why does Catholic Bishop Amédée Grab warn against possible forfeiture of values as a response to the attacks? How might Catholic Social Teaching guide us in our response to the attacks?
How have terrorist attacks in past years erroneously changed the opinion of many people about Muslims? What does true Islam teach about violence? Why is understanding this important?
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Prayer
God who is One,
We pray together as Catholics, Anglicans, Muslims, and many other faiths,
for the victims of the terrible terrorist attacks in London.
We also pray for conversion of heart of those who caused this destruction.
As a world, we ask for forgiveness for our divisions among humanity,
and for hatred and inequality that persists.
Help us to be reconcilers, healers, and seekers of truth,
that a united, safe, world of love may some day be possible.
Amen.
Tags: Response to Terrorism
