European religious leaders condemn use of faith to support terrorism

Published: 2005-07-14

BRUSSELS, Belgium (CNS) -- European Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders have condemned the use of religion to support terrorism. "No reason, in particular not a religious one, can justify such acts against humanity," the church leaders said in a July 13 statement, released after the group met with Jose Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, in Brussels. Religious leaders reaffirmed their dedication to building "a free, united, prosperous and peaceful Europe characterized by solidarity, where all citizens and nations, regardless of their religion, convictions, language, culture, tradition and ethnic origin, may live together and feel at home united in diversity." The Brussels meeting took place in the wake of the July 7 terrorist bombings on the London Underground trains and bus. The statement said religious leaders "strongly condemned" the attacks and highlighted the responsibility of Christians, Muslims and Jews for making "the common vision of a united Europe a reality."

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