Document
Message of solidarity with the churches and people of Spain, 12 March, 2004
It was with great sadness and deep concern that we heard the news of the cruel
attacks that took place yesterday in Madrid.
We wish to completely repudiate these terrible acts of terrorism. We also want
to express our deep compassion with the victims of this atrocity, as well as with
their families and the entire Spanish population.
Acts such as these reaffirm our vocation as Christians to oppose all forms of violence
and our commitment to the search for peace - a vocation and commitment
that led the WCC member churches to implement the Decade to Overcome Violence:
Churches seeking reconciliation and peace (2001-2010).
The many demonstrations of solidarity and immediate help for the victims by the
Spanish people and their churches are the strongest testimonies of this strong
desire for peace.
We pray that our God of Grace and Peace may console them in the midst of their
pain. We also pray for the people of Spain, that in the midst of all difficulties,
they may continue to reaffirm their pursuit of democracy and contribute to building
a world with greater solidarity in the community of nations.
We send greetings to them in the name of the "God of all comfort, who comforts
us in all our troubles so that we may be able to comfort those experiencing any
trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (2
Corinthians 1:3-4).
Georges Lemopoulos
WCC acting general secretary
