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UK News

New Zealand mosque shooting: how the Church responded

Here's what they had to say:

Cardinal Vincent Nichols

The news of the massacre in the New Zealand mosques is deeply shocking and has caused us all great pain. We pray for the many victims, for the wounded and for the whole community, which has been severely affected by this act of terrorism. May God free us from these tragedies and sustain the efforts of all those who work for peace, harmony and coexistence.

Quakers in Britain

Quakers in Britain are upholding and praying for all affected by the terrorist attack in Christchurch.

Paul Parker, Recording Clerk for Quakers in Britain, said, "We condemn all acts of violence. We stand in love and solidarity with the Muslim community in New Zealand and around the world. We all have a role to play in challenging hate."

Council of Christians and Jews

As Christians and Jews we stand in solidarity with the Muslim community today and always. Hatred of the other is eating away at what is most beautiful and should be most treasured in our society- namely our diversity.

AP Photo/Mark Baker

Church in Wales International Group

In common with all people of faith and goodwill, we are horrified by the attacks on worshippers at Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. In the face of this kind of hatred, it is more important than ever that we reach out in friendship and solidarity to our neighbours. We pray that God will be close to those most deeply affected, and give courage to all those who may now be fearful of showing their faith.

Rev Dr Andrea Zaki, President of the Protestant Church in Egypt at a gathering of 1,000 church leaders

We are steadfast in our position. We condemn violence against anyone. We had similar experiences when our churches were bombed and we felt the pain of the people. Today and from this place, we remember all those who were martyred. The killing of anyone who is praying, whether Muslim, Christian, Jewish or of any religion, is unacceptable. We condemn this terrorist attack and declare that we are against violence and killing.

John Sentamu

My prayers are with everyone in Christchurch. I was last in the beautiful garden city after the earthquakes, a natural hazard. But this is a deliberate act of hatred for which there is never an excuse or reason.

AP Photo/Mark Baker

Justin Welby

Profound sympathy for the victims and relatives of the New Zealand terrorism. Let all Christians pray for healing of people, interfaith relations and New Zealand itself. Jesus calls us to welcome strangers and love our neighbour however different.

Archbishops Philip Richardson and Don Tamihere, joint leaders of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand

We are shocked at the appalling and horrific acts of violence that occurred in Christchurch today. We feel utterly saddened for those who have lost their lives, and for their families and loved ones who mourn them. Indeed, we mourn with them as fellow citizens and members of the same human whanau, and we utterly condemn the despicable and cowardly acts of violence that took their lives.

NZ Catholic Bishops Conference

Dear Members of the Muslim community in Aotearoa New Zealand, we hold you in prayer as we hear the terrible news of violence against Muslims at mosques in Christchurch. We wish you to be aware of our solidarity with you in the face of such violence. Peace, Salaam.

The Methodist Church

As the news emerges of mass shootings in Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, we must pray: God of peace, we pray for those caught up in the events in New Zealand, for those killed and wounded, and for those who will mourn. We pray for the people of the emergency services as they respond, and for community leaders and faith leaders as they work to heal broken communities. Soften the hearts of those who are motivated by hate and bring peace to your precious people of New Zealand.

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