Bereaved families and survivors of the four blasts were also joined in tribute by Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor led the prayers of remembrance for all who were affected by the tragedy, including emergency workers who helped in the aftermath, as well as offerings of thanksgiving, reported the BBC.
Around 2,300 people gathered, including transport workers, senior politicians and police officers, for the service, with candles lit during the service to represent the four bombing sites.
Dr Rowan Williams delivered a moving sermon in which he said: “We are here grieving, after all, because those who so pointlessly and terribly died were, each one of them, precious, non-replaceable.”
He continued: “Those who suffered injury and deep trauma and loss are likewise unique, their minds and hearts scarred by this suffering."
“Time gives perspective and may bring healing; but the trauma of violence, and even more the death of someone we love, makes a difference that nothing will ever completely unmake.”
The Dean of St Paul’s, the very Rev. Dr John Moses gave thanks for the lives of those who died, and reflected on “the victims of terrorism all over the world”.
“We pray for all who mourn, for all who are rebuilding their lives and we give thanks to those who shared, often at great cost to themselves, in the work of rescue and rehabilitation."
“We remember in particular the staff of Transport for London, the police, the paramedics, the doctors and nurses of London hospitals, clergy and faith leaders, all men and women of goodwill who assisted in any way.”Dr Williams also touched upon the randomness of terrorist violence: “It really doesn’t matter who you are, what you have done or not done, what you think and believe, you are still a target just by being where you are at a particular time.”
A “candle of hope” was lit by a 15-year-old Sikh, an 11-year-old Buddhist, a 15-year-old Jew, a 12-year-old Hindu, a 14-year-old Muslim and an 18-year-old Christian, during the service, while the Archbishop of Canterbury emphasised the united front of the different faiths in responding to the tragedy.
