Churches Respond to London Tube Explosion with Prayers & Solidarity

Standing in solidarity with the victims of the deadly London Tube explosion this morning, churches throughout London have opened their facilities and services for shelter, aid and prayer today.

The landmark St Paul's Cathedral has been closed to tourists but remains open for private prayer until 5 p.m. today. The Bishop of London will attend a said Evensong service at 4pm. All people of faith and goodwill are welcome.

Dr David Cornick, General Secretary of the United Reformed Church, which has its headquarters in Tavistock Place near where the Russell Square attacks took place, said, "On a day when joy was transformed into horror, Christians cannot help but be reminded of the urgency of God’s call to work for peace and reconciliation."

"Our prayers are first of all with those who have suffered as a result of this atrocity, with those who care for them and those who seek to bring the perpetrators to justice."

"But in the days to come, alongside our prayers must go the determination on the part of Christians to ensure that we do not allow extremists to create divisions between the communities which make up our nation."

The Salvation Army UK has been rescuing survivors and providing emergency support at two London Underground stations shortly after the incidents took place, with additional teams on standby.

One of the emergency vehicles, that had been preparing to assist with VE60 commemorations and headed by the Salvation Army's London Emergency Co-ordinator, Major Robert McClenahan, is now supporting the police, fire brigade and ambulance teams.

The Salvation Army is part of the official major incident response in London. The first Salvation Army emergency vehicle initially despatched to Liverpool Street station has been moved to Kings Cross. Additional units were despatched to Russell Square and Edgware Road, the latter of which was stood down at noon.

The Salvation Army's Faith House Centre, opposite London's Kings Cross station is assisting the emergency services there, offering comfort and refreshments.

The latest update at the Salvation Army UK’s website at 1:30 p.m. announced that it is co-ordinating a befriending service. This will offer a listening ear to those who are most affected by recent events.

A special prayer section, "Pray for London" was opened for people to post up their prayer request. Rik Pears, Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army Ireland Division, described "London is facing horrendous and frightening situation at this moment", therefore he requested prayers for the city.

The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham, the Most Rev Vincent Nichols, formerly a bishop in London, expressed his "revulsion".

He said: "My heart goes out to everyone caught up in these outrageous attacks in London today. I offer my prayers for all those who have been killed and my condolences to their families and friends. I also pray for all those who have been the injured."

"For many years, a Bishop in North London, I too travelled every day on these tubes and share the deep sense of shock and revulsion of what has happened. May God give strength, determination and consolation, to all of us at this time."