Faith Communities Pay Tribute to Mumbai Victims

|PIC1|British Indians gathered Friday for a special memorial service on the outskirts of Watford held in remembrance of the nearly 180 people killed when seven trains exploded in the rush hours of Mumbai on Tuesday.

Christians were among the representatives of eight faiths invited to the service at Bhaktivedanta Manor, Europe’s largest Hindu temple. Other faith representatives present included those of the Hindu, Islam, Jain, Judaism, Sikhism and Zoroastrian faiths.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, said last night that the anniversary of the 7/7 attacks has led people in the UK to a determination to stand with victims and assured all involved of his continuing prayers.

“It was only last week that we marked the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the public transport system in London so these events give rise to particular feelings of distress and a determination to stand with the victims,” said Dr Williams.

“It is shocking that such senseless acts of violence against innocent people continue, in Mumbai and other places around the world.”

He added: “Please be assured of my prayers for God’s mercy on the deceased; for grace and fortitude for all the surviving victims; for the selfless dedication of the emergency services and all those working to help people rebuild their lives in the wake of the bombings; and for a deeper peace and harmony in the relations between the communities in the region.”

|AD|In an act resembling the candles lit by priests in London’s St Paul’s Cathedral to mark each of the 7 July bombs, faith leaders at the Watford service lit seven candles to represent each bomb in Mumbai.

The Archbishop of Canterbury also wrote a letter of condolences Friday to the Moderator of the Church of North India and their Bishop in Mumbai to express his solidarity as well as that of Anglicans across the Communion at this time.

Worshippers at the service prayed in the traditions of their own faiths before a joint prayer for world peace was recited: "Let our differences enrich our lives and of those around us, let our similarities be the cause of great joy and celebration.

"In these difficult times, may we stand together."
Gauri Das, spiritual commissioner of the Hindu Forum of Britain, said: "The clothes may be different, but the message of God is the same."

He added: "No doubt this world will never be perfect, but together we have the opportunity to become perfect people and help to heal the hearts of others."