Archbishop of Canterbury & Church of Scotland Condemn London Bombings

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has denounced the bomb attacks, which took place across London during the Thursday morning rush hour.

Dr Williams extended his sympathy to all those "suffering and grieving at this time," as well as offering his prayers for their comfort.

"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."

Dr Williams was with Muslim colleagues and friends on an interfaith visit to West Yorkshire at the time of the attacks and assured the resounding denunciation of all in attendance with him: "We were one in our condemnation of this evil and in our shared sense of care and compassion for those affected in whatever way."

The Archbishop called for unity, saying "Such solidarity and common purpose is vital for us all at this time of pain and sorrow and anger."

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Right Rev David Lacy, and the convener of the Kirk’s Church and Society Council, Morag Mylne, have also issued a statement of condemnation on behalf of the Church of Scotland.

"There are no words sufficient ever to speak of the kind of horror visited on London this morning. The immediate reaction of shock and distress turns quickly to sympathy and grief for the bereaved and injured."

The Church also called on people to remember God during this time, saying, "This is a time to know that God suffers with the attacked and the oppressed. That is where our concentration, our presence and our prayers must be."

The statement continued by offering condolences for all those affected: "Our prayer today is for comfort for those who are hurt, strength for those whose duties are to rescue and to treat, and peace for the city and all its people.

"As we as a nation seek to come to terms with an attack on our freedoms and our democracy, it is to those principles that we must hold. Our reaction must be to strengthen and uphold what terrorism seeks to destroy."

The Bishop of London also released a statement which said:

"This is a grave day for London. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and the bereaved and also with the emergency services who have responded so rapidly. London’s clergy have been working alongside the emergency services since early this morning and churches close to affected areas have been opened for shelter, aid and prayer."

The Archbishop of Canterbury concluded his statement with a call directed at the religious community in particular to remember their responsibility.

"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 keep that vision alive at this deeply sad and testing time."