WCC Offers Solidarity with London Victims & Churches as Death Toll Rises

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has sent a message of solidarity to the victims of today’s bomb explosions in London. Four blasts stunned London’s Underground network and ripped through a packed rush-hour bus early on Thursday. The attacks signal the worst assault on London since the Second World War.

Latest figures show that at least 45 people were killed and more than 100 have been wounded in the terrorist attacks, with at least 45 of these serious or critical according to Associated Press reports.

The WCC totally rejected the violent actions, and the General Secretary, Rev Samuel Kobia send has sent a message to the churches and people of the United Kingdom.

Kobia expressed how his heart was heavy after hearing the news and he was filled with sadness and concern.

He also said, "I convey my condolences to the relatives and friends of those who were killed."

Kobia continued, "We pray to the Lord for peace and hope for all of them and for the inhabitants of London and the United Kingdom, who feel their lives to be in danger after these terrible events."

In a statement released by the Evangelical Alliance UK (EAUK) the organisation called on its members to pray for the families of those killed and injured by the multiple explosions in London.

A spirit of peace and mercy was encouraged, and the EAUK urged people no to allow feelings of panic or revenge come to them.

The General Director of the Evangelical Alliance in the UK, Rev Joel Edwards, "We pray earnestly for those who have suffered loss or injury today and call on God to bind up the broken hearted. I have found Psalm 46 a great comfort at this time."

The Bishop of London has also commented on the tragic incidents that have been witnessed across England’s capital. Rev Richard Chartres 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."

Also Prime Minister Tony Blair, clearly shaken by the unfolding events condemned the attacks as barbaric and stated that they were designed to coincide with the G8 Summit in Gleneagles, Scotland.

A group calling itself "The Secret Organisation of Al-Qaida in Europe" has apparently claimed responsibility for the bombings.

The series of attacks began at 8.51 a.m. local time and ended with a bus explosion within an hour later. The attacks saw London’s transport system immediately shut down, leaving the 8.4 million travelling on the network every day, distressed and stranded.

At the peak of efforts, buses were used as ambulances and an emergency medical stations were set up in hotels. Rescue workers, police and ordinary citizens streamed into the streets to help.

Blair, with his fellow G-8 leaders, including US President Bush, read a statement from the leaders: "We shall prevail and they shall not. Whatever they do, it is our determination that they will never succeed in destroying what we hold dear in this country and in other civilised nations throughout the world."

While Blair departed by helicopter back to London, world leaders continued the G8 meeting but their agenda has been sidetracked and they have announced the decision to delay declarations on climate change and the global economy.

Much of Europe also went on alert. Italy's airports raised alert levels to a maximum. The Czech Republic, Hungary, Russia, the Netherlands, France and Spain also announced extra security at shopping centres, airports, and train stations.

Pope Benedict XVI has denounced the "terrorist attacks," calling them "barbaric acts against humanity," and said he would be praying for the victim's families.

Explosions were reported at Aldgate station near the Liverpool Street railway terminal, Edgware Road and King's Cross in north London, Old Street in the financial district and Russell Square, near the British Museum.

The full statement released by the World Council of Churches, Rev Samuel Kobia was as follows:

"The news, images and stories of the terrorist attacks against civilians in London this morning filled my heart with sadness and concern.

I convey my condolences to the relatives and friends of those who were killed and express solidarity with the victims of these attacks. We pray to the Lord for peace and hope for all of them and for the inhabitants of London and the United Kingdom, who feel their lives to be in danger after these terrible events.

As Christians, we re-affirm our opposition to any form of violence. This radical rejection of violence has led the ecumenical movement to promote the "Decade to overcome violence: Churches seeking reconciliation and peace (2001 - 2010)". Peace is the only way to achieve justice for all. When, as it seems on this occasion, violence is deliberately targeting civilians and willing to create terror in the population, it could be described as a crime against humanity. There is nothing that can justify the killing of innocent people anywhere.

This kind of event is a call to all of us, churches, other religious organizations and the whole of humanity to strengthen our commitment to building a just and peaceful world where all human beings may feel secure and safe in their homes, in their cities and communities.

May "the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction" (2 Cor 1:4) be with all those who suffer at this moment.""