Press Releases04 Sep 04

Church of Ireland message of sympathy following the outrage in Beslan

CHURCH OF IRELAND MESSAGE OF SYMPATHY

Saturday 4th September 2004

In a letter personally delivered to the Rev Father George Zavershinsky of the Russian Orthodox Church in Dublin, the Church of Ireland Primate of Ireland and Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr John Neill, has expressed the deep shock and sorrow in the Church of Ireland community following the terrorist outrage in Beslan.

Dr Neill said: "It has been with horror that I have watched the tragic events unfold in Russia. It is devastating to see the suffering caused by the scourge of terrorism. I assure you that the thoughts and prayers of the Church of Ireland community are with you, your parishioners and indeed with all the people who have suffered so tragically.

"I pray that the injured in body and mind may be healed, and that God will comfort the bereaved and receive into his loving presence all who died so suddenly. May the peace of Christ be with you all."