Utah Religious and Political Leaders Send Condolences, Condemn Attacks in Sri Lanka
Apr 21, 2019, 7:18 PM | Updated: 8:21 pm
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA - APRIL 21: Sri Lankan security forces secure the area around St. Anthony's Shrine after an explosion hit St Anthony's Church in Kochchikade on April 21, 2019 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. At least 207 people have been killed and hundreds more injured after multiple explosions rocked three churches and three luxury hotels in and around Colombo as well as at Batticaloa in Sri Lanka during Easter Sunday mass. According to reports, at least 400 people were injured and are undergoing treatment as the blasts took place at churches in Colombo city as well as neighboring towns and hotels, including the Shangri-La, Kingsbury and Cinnamon Grand, during the worst violence in Sri Lanka since the civil war ended a decade ago. Christians worldwide celebrated Easter on Sunday, commemorating the day on which Jesus Christ is believed to have risen from the dead. (Photo by Stringer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stringer/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – As news of the terror attack in Sri Lanka broke Sunday morning, local religious leaders started reacting to the horror that took place when over 200 people were killed in a bombing attack of hotels and churches on Easter.
The Asia Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the following statement.
We are deeply saddened on this Easter Sunday by the bomb blasts in Sri Lanka. We offer our heartfelt condolences and sincere prayers to all of those affected by these tragic events. We mourn with those who lost loved ones and pray for those who are seeking to heal from the physical and emotional wounds they are now suffering. May the Lord bless them with peace and comfort in these trying moments.
You can find the statement here: https://www.mormonnewsroom.in/article/church-leaders-offer-words-of-sorrow-and-comfort-following-bombings-in-sri-lanka
Utah Islamic Center extended their condolences for the victims of the attack.
UIC stands with our Christian brothers and sisters and all victims of these senseless attacks. We express our deepest condolences and pray for all who are suffering. Today’s savage attacks on Christian worshippers celebrating Easter Sunday and others in Sri Lanka are outrageous and despicable.
All people should be allowed to practice their faith freely, and in safety and security. We express our grief and solidarity with all the victims of this horrific attack that happened on their day of celebration. We call upon all people of faith and goodwill to remain vigilant in standing against violence.
UIC extends its deepest sympathies to the grieving families of those who were killed today, and ask the God Almighty to grant each of them solace in this loss.
The Utah Muslim Civic League condemned the attacks and offered their support.
The Utah Muslim Civic league is mourning with the victims of today’s attack in Sri Lanka. We condemn and denounce this deplorable act. Today sheer devastation broke out in Sri Lanka on a day where families were coming together to celebrate Easter. All of humanity is mourning these horrific attacks once again violating sacred faith spaces. We are filled with sorrow and grieve with the victims and all of their loved ones.
“It’s a heartbreaking state of affairs that we have to mourn again,when we are still instate of mourning. These incidents should strengthen the resolve for political, community and faith leaders to prevent tragedies of this sort in the future. Our spiritual tradition not only condemns these attacks but calls for the protection of sacred spaces. This reminds me of the letter prophet Muhammad wrote in a letter to the Christian monks of St. Catherine’s monastery. It reads:
‘Whenever Christian monks, devotees and pilgrims gather together, whether in a mountain or valley, or den, or frequented place, or plain, or church, or in houses of worship, verily we are [at the] back of them and shall protect them, and their properties and their morals, by Myself, by My Friends and by My Assistants, for they are of My Subjects and under My Protection. ’Let us join together as human family and eradicate the root causes of this hatred from our family,” said Avais Ahmed, the chairman of the Utah Muslim Civic League. As a community and as our league, we stand together against hate, against violence, against evil.
Sen. Mitt Romney posted to his Twitter account about the tragedy.
As we celebrate the miracle of Easter, we hold in our hearts the victims of the senseless violence in Sri Lanka and their loved ones. We pray that they may experience God’s eternal grace, comfort, and love.
— Senator Mitt Romney (@SenatorRomney) April 21, 2019
Rep. Ben McAdams issued a statement on his Twitter account.
The tragic deaths & injuries in Sri Lanka, reportedly acts of religious extremists, are heartbreaking. Freedom to exercise religious or other beliefs & peacefully express individual identity must never be marred by fear. Praying for #SriLanka and for an end to violence.
— Rep. Ben McAdams (@RepBenMcAdams) April 21, 2019
