London Recovering from Bomb Terror with Mixed Fear and Sorrow
The whole city of London this morning was filled with a mixed atmosphere of fear and sorrow, as people try to resume their normal lives after the terrorist bombs rocked the London transport system during rush hour yesterday. The latest death toll of the attack tops 50.
Prayers and services for the troubled capital have been endlessly offered all yesterday’s evening in many churches across Britain. Since the terrible incident happened, many Londoners placed flowers near the entrance of the underground stations which were ravaged by the terror bombs, showing their support to the victims.
The London Underground has resumed partial service, although transport police said two of the lines hit by the blasts would remain closed all day Friday. A majority of buses are also running as usual.
Security in the underground has been tightened greatly with police and rail staff guarding all station entrances all the way to the underground train platforms. Also, some stations have been immediately evacuated and closed for inspection as suspicious bags or packages were found. All were false alarms though.
Overshadowed by horror, political and religious leaders in UK, Europe and the world yet showed no retreat to terrorism.
A statement released by the G8 summit in Gleneagles, Scotland condemned the "barbaric attacks" and said that "whatever they [the terrorists] do it is our determination that they will never succeed in destroying what we hold dear in this country and other civilised nations in the world".
George W Bush, US president said, "The war on terror goes on. I was impressed with the resolve of the people here. We will spread the ideology of hope and compassion."
The Queen said she was "deeply shocked" by the terrorist attacks and sent her sympathy to those affected.
Michael Howard, Conservative leader said, "It is essential that this country is one in fighting those terrorists who have carried out these attacks."
The head of the 77 million-strong Anglican Communion, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, condemned the "evil" atrocities.
Dr David Cornick, General Secretary of the United Reformed Church called for peace and reconciliation. He said in a statement, "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."
