wfn.org | ACNS3678 Anglican Leaders condemn terrorist attacks in Istanbul

["Anglican Communion News Service" <acnslist@anglicancommunion.org>]

ACNS 3678     |     TURKEY     |     20 NOVEMBER 2003 

Anglican Leaders condemn terrorist attacks in Istanbul

by Matthew Davies

Just five days after suicide bombers attacked two synagogues in
Istanbul, killing 25 people and injuring hundreds, at least 26 people
have been killed today and more than 400 injured in two bomb attacks on
the British Consulate and offices of HSBC, one of the largest British
banks.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, returned from his first
formal visit to Istanbul yesterday. This afternoon he issued a statement
condemning the attacks and expressing the "shock and grief that I, my
family and my staff are feeling".

The British consul general, Roger Short, is amongst 15 people who died
at the consulate. Two nights ago Mr Short, and his wife Victoria, hosted
a reception at their residence to which Dr Williams was a guest. In his
statement he spoke of the "generous and warm hospitality" from them
both.

"They told me of the devastation that the people of Turkey were
experiencing as a result of the attacks on the Synagogues last
Saturday," the Archbishop said. "And of their admiration for the way in
which the different faith communities were standing together in the face
of that violence."

He added, "Our hearts go out to the families of all who have been killed
in these vicious and senseless attacks. These acts of violence achieve
nothing but to hurt a whole community of all faiths and none.

"Our prayers are with all in Istanbul at this time, and especially with
all who we know personally."

The Rt Revd Geoffrey Rowell, Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe, was one of
the people accompanying the Archbishop of Canterbury on his visit to
Istanbul. He also issued a statement this afternoon calling the
"faithful of the Diocese in Europe to prayer" and describing how they
were "horrified and heart-broken" when they had visited the scene of one
of the synagogues which had encountered last weekend's attacks. 

"As a community of faith, we offer prayers for an end to violence, for
God's protection for all who are in danger from terrorism, for divine
guidance for leaders of government to address the root causes which fuel
such acts of hatred and bloodshed, and for those who perpetrate such
acts to be turned from prejudice and anger to justice and peace," he
said.

Earlier today Britain warned its citizens against travel to Istanbul and
British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, labelled today's atrocities as a
"terrorist outrage".

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