LONDON, JULY 8, 2005 (Zenit.org).- The London Central Mosque Trust and the Islamic Cultural Center condemned the transit bombings that killed dozens in London.
«Our thoughts, our prayers and condolences go out to all the victims of this terrible terrorist attack,» the group said in a statement after the attacks Thursday.
«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,» it said.
The statement 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.
«The appalling events in London this morning have shocked us all,» he said during an interfaith visit to West Yorkshire.
«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,» he said.
«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,» said the archbishop.
He added: «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.»