Christian leaders condemn Kashmir and Mumbai bomb attacks

Christian leaders nationwide have strongly condemned the series of bomb attacks that took place in Mumbai and Kashmir on Tuesday, July 11, saying that such "cowardly attacks" would not subdue the Indian spirit.

In Kashmir, July 11, unidentified militants threw grenades at five different locations, targeting tourists, killing nine people and injuring dozens.

Later, the same day, a series of high–intensity bombs went off in trains and railway stations in seven different locations in Mumbai, ripping through the city's lifeline, killing up to 200 and injuring 800.

Expressing outrage at the attacks, the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), in its condolence message, called for prayers for the friends and families of the victims.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time. The response of the people in Mumbai has shown that Indians will not allow cowardly attacks such as these to threaten our way of life," said Rev. Dr. Atul Aghamkar, chairman, EFI. "The response of the people in Mumbai has shown that Indians will not allow cowardly attacks such as these to threaten our way of life."

"EFI stands with the government and expresses confidence that the authorities will do all they can to maintain law and order and defeat the forces of terrorism," the evangelical body stated in a press release.

Pope Benedict XVI, denouncing the "senseless acts against humanity," commended "the many deceased to the loving mercy of the Almighty."

"Deeply saddened by the news of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI assures all affected of his spiritual closeness in prayer. Upon their grieving families and the numerous injured he invokes the divine gifts of strength, consolation and comfort," a telegram signed by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State, Vatican, read.

"We strongly denounce the serial bomb blasts in Mumbai which has caused so much of damage and created panic among the people," Fr. Babu Joseph, spokesperson, Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), told Indian Catholic.

"The bomb blasts are the handiworks of anti–social elements. We should all join hands together to defeat the nefarious designs of the anti–social elements in the country," Fr. Joseph said, appealing to the people to face "this hour of anguish with equanimity."

"The minority Christian community in in India is shocked at the wonton loss of life in the bomb blasts in Kashmir and Mumbai. Innocent people have been targeted in the mindless violence which is designed to create distances between communities. Our hearts go out to the victims, the injured and the relatives of the dead as we pray for peace and courage in the face of this dastardly conspiracy," All India Catholic Union president, Dr. John Dayal said in a press statement.

Meanwhile, many Christian organizations, including local workers with Hopegivers International, have rushed to the aid of the injured.

Hopegivers Head of Mumbai Operations, Pastor A.M. Mathew, have welcomed the wounded blast victims into their nearby orphanage with staff members providing medical care, food and water for the injured and needy.

With medical supplies and personnel stretched to the limits in the hospitals, the gesture by the Christian organizations has been warmly received by the state government.