USCMO and WCC Condemn Brussels terror attacks

The US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), a coalition of leading national and local Muslim organizations, and the World Council of Churches, separately, have issued statements strongly condemning the heinous terror attacks in Brussels as “wicked and indiscriminate” and calls for prayers for those affected.

The USCMO issued the following:

The US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), a coalition of leading national and local Muslim organizations, strongly condemns the heinous terror attacks that took place early this morning in Brussels, Belgium and left at least 30 innocent people dead and many more injured. Similar terror attacks took place most recently in Turkey and Mali and claimed the lives of tens of innocent people.

USCMO is utterly saddened by these repugnant attacks and stands consistent in its condemnation of any and all attacks on the sanctity of human life taking place anywhere in the world, regardless of the perpetrators, targets, or reasons.

The US Council of Muslim Organizations stands in solidarity with the people of Belgium, Turkey, and Mali and sends its sincere prayers and condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones. We urge the world to come together in peace and solidarity during this difficult time and rise above the hate and violence the perpetrators wish to spread.

The World Council of Churches issues this statement:

The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary, Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, has strongly condemned a series of lethal terror attacks carried out in Brussels as “wicked and indiscriminate” and calls for prayers for those affected.

More than 30 people were killed and 170 more injured in the 22 March attacks at Brussels Zaventem international airport and a city metro station near buildings belonging to the European Union and the Ecumenical Centre in Brussels.

“I grieve such a wicked and indiscriminate attacks on ordinary human beings has taken place in Brussels, in a way that suggests a deliberate targeting of the heart of Europe,” said Tveit.

He noted, “Apart from the loss and suffering this act of violence has directly caused, it creates wider tensions which make it more difficult for Europe and Europeans to play the constructive role they need to in support of those who are seeking to escape the ongoing agony which is being experienced in several parts of the Middle East.”

The WCC encouraged prayer for and solidarity with the victims and those close to them.