A message from the Bishops in Europe 12 September 2001

The whole world has been horrified by the events in the USA on 11th September. That day will forever remain as one of the darkest in human history. We are very conscious that our chaplaincy churches throughout Europe have many members from the USA and from New York and Washington in particular. Of course the tragedy affects people from all nations and we join together in sympathy and prayer for the dead and wounded and their families.

At this stage of course we have no idea who was responsible for this evil, but our calling as Christians is always to work for reconciliation and avoid the blanket condemnation of peoples, faiths and groups.

Already special services and vigils have been announced in several churches and we hope it will be possible for our churches to be open for prayer as much as possible over the next days and weeks.

A prayer from Taizé:

Holy Spirit, we pray to you for the whole human family and for those who are shaken to the depths of their being by today's events. You know our longing for all to be consoled. Christ Jesus, inner light, allow us to welcome your love.

+Geoffrey Rowell
+Henry Scriven