Press Releases16 Mar 04

Archbishops send message of sympathy to Madrid

ARCHBISHOPS SEND MESSAGE OF SYMPATHY TO MADRID

The Most Revd Dr Robin Eames, Archbishop of Armagh and the Most Revd Dr John Neill, Archbishop of Dublin, today sent a message of sympathy to the Right Revd Carlos Lopez Lozano of the Spanish Episcopal Reformed Church in Madrid.

They said: ?On behalf of the Church of Ireland we extend to you, your Church, and indeed all the people of Madrid our deepest sympathy at this tragic time in your city.

?We have in the past experienced the horrors of mindless terrorism. We understand the fear and mistrust, and sheer desperation that it produces. We pray with you for all who are injured, all who are bereaved, as we commend to God?s love and mercy those whose lives have been so suddenly ended.

?We value our historic links with the Spanish Episcopal Reformed Church, which links have been greatly strengthened through our common membership of the Porvoo fellowship of Churches, and of course our shared participation in the EU. May God give us all the strength to use these bonds to pray and work together for the overcoming of the evil of violence and hatred.?