World Council of Churches, Pope, express condolences: Mumbai

The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed shock and dismay over the terrorist attacks in Mumbai that killed over 100 yesterday.

Rev Dr Samuel Kobia, General Secretary of WCC, in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, "The World Council of Churches, whose membership includes most of India's Christian churches, strongly condemns such wanton acts of terrorism and violence targeting innocent human lives."

"We believe that there can be no justification whatsoever for such despicable acts of terrorism and indiscriminate violence," he added.

Rev Kobia expressed "sincere condolences and sympathy to the Government and People of India, especially to the families of those who were killed and injured."

"We hold all citizens of India in our thoughts and prayers as you pass through this tragic and critical time," he said.

Kobia said the "WCC is committed to working with governments and people of goodwill to build communities where peace and security prevails."

Pope Benedict XVI also condemned the "brutal attacks" calling an end to all acts of terrorism.

A message of condolences released by the Vatican on Thursday says the pontiff is "deeply concerned about the outbreak of violence" in the Indian city. Benedict is expressing his "heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in these brutal attacks."

At least 125 people including six foreigners have died, and more than 300 injured from attacks that began late Wednesday night at seven locations across Mumbai.

In a nationally televised address on Thursday, Manmohan Singh said the attackers were foreigners, but he did not say where he believed they were from.

"The well-planned and very orchestrated attacks, probably with external linkages, were intended to create a sense of panic by choosing high-profile targets and indiscriminately killing innocent foreigners," Singh said.

"It is evident that the group which carried out these attacks, based outside the country, had come with single-minded determination to create havoc in the financial capital of the country," he added.