Christian leaders in various parts of the world have vigorously condemned the recent attacks on two synagogues in Istanbul, Turkey. The Turkish Episcopal Conference of the Roman Catholic Church sent a message of sympathy and solidarity to the Grand Rabbi of Turkey as well as the Governor of Istanbul. In their message to the Grand Rabbi, the bishops said they were ?overwhelmed by sorrow and condemn the dreadful act of violence and terror.” The head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams, visited one of the damaged synagogues and declared: ?This is a heart-breaking sight. In a place where the relationship between Muslims, Jews, and Christians is one of cooperation and goodwill, an attack on a synagogue is an attack on every Muslim, Jew, or Christian.” In the United States, the National Council of Churches stated that it ?vigorously condemns” the bombings, and added: ?We stand in solidarity with Jewish communities in Turkey and throughout the world who feel particularly vulnerable in this climate of violence. We further stand together with Muslim communities whose faith is denigrated by terrorist groups propagating violence in the name of Islam.”
From press releases and news reports
Christian Leaders Condemn Istanbul Attacks