18 March 2004

At their gathering today in Canberra, the heads of a number of Australian Churches expressed their deep sorrow at the suffering of families caught up in the terrible train bombings in Spain.

“We join with the Spanish people in their shock and horror at this attack,” they said.

“We deplore the use of violence against innocent people and commend all efforts to bring those responsible for such terrorist acts to justice.”

This statement is released in the names of the heads of the following Australian Churches*:

Anglican Church of Australia
Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church
Assyrian Church of the East
Churches of Christ in Australia
Congregational Federation of Australia
Coptic Orthodox Church
Lutheran Church of Australia
Presbyterian Church of Australia
Salvation Army
Syrian Orthodox Church
Religious Society of Friends
Uniting Church in Australia

* The Roman Catholic head of church was absent in Rome

Further Information:
John Henderson
General Secretary, National Council of Churches in Australia
(02) 9299-2215