Rome, Italy, Nov 28, 2008 / 10:44 am
The Bishops’ Conference of India has “unequivocally” condemned the terrorist attacks that have taken place in the city of Mumbai, calling them “one of the worst human tragedies of recent times.”
In a statement published by the SIR news agency, the bishops’ spokesman, Father Babu Joseph, said they are “praying for the repose of the souls of the victims,” and they hope “for a quick recovery of those wounded.” They also expressed hope that “those who have been taken hostage will soon be released.”
Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes, the bishops’ secretary general, said, “The terrorist attacks in various parts of Mumbai, in which innocent civilians, foreigners and politicians have been killed are acts of the utmost cruelty and should be strongly condemned by all. Terrorism is an evil, and all those who are involved in it act against the very foundation of human life, which is sacred in the eyes of God.”
Asking the residents of Mumbai to “maintain peace and harmony in this hour of suffering and sorrow,” the bishops also called on the government “to take strong and effective measures to control the threat of terrorism in India.”
“Violence is not an acceptable means of achieving an end, no matter how noble it may be. We must adopt peaceful means of resolving issues, which is the only way to have a more civil life in our society,” they stated.