WASHINGTON(February 24, 2006)—In a statement on the attack on the Golden
Mosque of Samarra, Most Reverend Thomas G. Wenski said the U.S. Catholic
Bishops “are deeply saddened by the horrible attack on the Al Askariya
Mosque-the Golden Mosque of Samarra, one of the most sacred religious
sites in Shi’a Islam.”
“We extend our prayers and condolences to the people of Iraq at this time
of dismaying loss,” Bishop Wenski said. “As we have consistently condemned
past attacks on Christian religious sites and communities, we now strongly
condemn this heinous terrorist attack on the Golden Mosque. We are also
alarmed and deeply disturbed by retaliatory attacks on other mosques and
the loss of life that followed the attack on the Golden Mosque.”
“Deliberately targeting religious sites and communities is reprehensible
and dangerous,” Bishop Wenski stated. “Destroying religious sites is
especially reprehensible as it seeks to damage the core of peoples’
culture, belief and community.”
“We will continue to support efforts to end the violence and to work
toward a responsible transition in Iraq,” Bishop Wenski said. “We pray for
the victims of the recent violence and their families. We pray that calm
and peace will take hold within Iraq and that all will be able to live
their lives and practice their faith with mutual respect and security.”
Bishop Wenski is Chairman, Committee on International Policy, United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Below is the full text of Bishop Wenski’s statement.
Statement
Attack on the Golden Mosque in Samarra, Iraq
Most Reverend Thomas G. Wenski
Bishop of Orlando
Chairman: Committee on International Policy
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
February 24, 2006
We are deeply saddened by the horrible attack on the Al Askariya
Mosque-the Golden Mosque of Samarra, one of the most sacred religious
sites in Shi’a Islam. We extend our prayers and condolences to the people
of Iraq at this time of dismaying loss. As we have consistently condemned
past attacks on Christian religious sites and communities, we now strongly
condemn this heinous terrorist attack on the Golden Mosque. We are also
alarmed and deeply disturbed by retaliatory attacks on other mosques and
the loss of life that followed the attack on the Golden Mosque.
Deliberately targeting religious sites and communities is reprehensible
and dangerous. We strongly condemn terrorist attacks wherever they occur.
Terrorism can never be morally justified no matter what the cause.
Destroying religious sites is especially reprehensible as it seeks to
damage the core of peoples’ culture, belief and community. It is an
affront to God and all people of faith. Attacks on holy sites can only add
to the insecurity, division and misery of the people of Iraq and risk
further violence and destabilization. As Pope Benedict XVI said in his
recently released encyclical letter, Deus est Caritas, only a complete
abandonment to God’s will “can prevent man from being demeaned and save
him from falling prey to the teaching of fanaticism and terrorism.”
We will continue to support efforts to end the violence and to work toward
a responsible transition in Iraq. We pray for the victims of the recent
violence and their families. We pray that calm and peace will take hold
within Iraq and that all will be able to live their lives and practice
their faith with mutual respect and security.