In his letter to Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, Bishop Skylstad expressed a “deep sense of sorrow at the loss of so many innocent people” and said there can be “no justification for attacks on innocent civilians.”
“We unequivocally condemn these heinous acts of senseless violence. At this time of tragedy for all the people of India, we especially offer our prayers for all families and individuals who mourn the loss of their loved ones,” Bishop Skylstad said.
Bishop Skylstad’s letter follows.
Telesphore Cardinal Toppo
President
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India
C.B.C. I. Centre
1 Ashok Place
Near Gole Dakkhana
New Delhi-110 001
India
Dear Cardinal Toppo:
On behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I wish to express our deep sense of sorrow at the loss of so many innocent people as a result of the series of bombings in Mumbai on Tuesday, July 11. There can be no justification for attacks on innocent civilians. We unequivocally condemn these heinous acts of senseless violence.
At this time of tragedy for all the people of India, we especially offer our prayers for all families and individuals who mourn the loss of their loved ones. We also pray that God will heal those injured and afflicted with anguish by these terrible acts of terror. Our sincere hope is that this violence will not lead to further social tensions and an escalation of violence.
I wish to express the solidarity of the Church in the United States with the people of India and with the Church in India as it speaks a message of hope and consolation at this time of national mourning.
Sincerely yours,
Most Reverend William S. Skylstad
Bishop of Spokane
President