Spanish Bishops call for charity and solidarity

Madrid, Spain, Mar 11, 2004 / 22:00 pm

In the wake of yesterday’s terrorist bombings in Madrid, the Spanish Bishops Conference issued a statement condemning terrorism and calling the tragedy “a moment for charity and solidarity.”

Although authorities have not determined if the Basque separatist group ETA is responsible for the attacks, the bishops made reference to the group in their statement, saying “it is not morally possible to politically engage ETA, either directly or indirectly,” but they added that to react against the organization out of hatred works in ETA’s favor.

The bishops expressed their spiritual solidarity with the families of victims, and they asked priests to offer prayers for the eternal repose of those killed.

“For ETA the political independence of the Basque Country is of absolute importance, and to achieve this end it has not ceased to scorn and step all over the basis upon which peace and the common good are sustained, that is, respect for human rights, and above all, the right to life,” the bishops said.

Lastly, the bishops called for action against terrorism and renewed cooperation with authorities, and they exhorted Christians to help those who suffer the consequences of this ferocious attack.  “Now is the time for charity and solidarity with the victims,” they said.