Photo: Gwydion M. Williams
Below are responses from churches, Christian leaders and ecumenical organisations to the attacks in Istanbul on 28 June 2016:
World Council of Churches (WCC)
The WCC has strongly condemned the attacks. ‘We pray for the victims and their families’, said WCC general secretary, Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, ‘and we hope and pray there can be a redoubling of efforts to bring peace to the region to end the conflicts which are fueling such odious criminal acts.’
Full WCC statement on attack at Istanbul airport
Conference of European Churches (CEC)
‘The Conference of European Churches mourns the tremendous loss of life in Istanbul. We lament the promising futures lost and difficult days and years ahead for those who were injured at Ataturk.’
Full statement from CEC on Istanbul attack
Catholic Church in England and Wales
Cardinal Nichols, president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has written to the Turkish ambassador to the UK and to the Archbishop of Istanbul offering heartfelt condolences and prayers for all who died and were injured.
This atrocity has shocked the world and all who hold that respect for human life is an essential foundation for every society.
— Cardinal Nichols (@CardinalNichols) June 29, 2016
Church of England
Our hearts cry out in prayer for the victims and families of the terrible attack in Istanbul. #IstanbulAttack#PrayForTurkey
— Justin Welby ن (@JustinWelby) June 29, 2016
Church of Scotland
Moderator sends love condolences and prayers to #Turkey https://t.co/OidKnty9Kk
— Church of Scotland (@churchscotland) June 29, 2016
Coptic Orthodox Church, United Kingdom
Our Hearts ache with #Istanbul #AtaturkAirport attack. #Praying for the dead, wounded, grieving…and healing for brokenness of our humanity
— Bishop Angaelos (@BishopAngaelos) June 29, 2016
Methodist Church in Britain
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to those killed, wounded and affected by the #IstanbulAttack. More senseless deaths.
— The Methodist Church (@MethodistGB) June 29, 2016
United Reformed Church (URC)
‘The United Reformed Church global and intercultural ministries team calls on churches around the world to pray for the victims, their families and loved ones’.
Full statement from the URC on the attacks in Istanbul
CAFOD
We pray for the people affected by the Istanbul attack, their families and friends. #PrayForTurkey #PrayForTheWorld pic.twitter.com/PPbjhdeMXj
— CAFOD (@CAFOD) June 29, 2016
