Salaam and grace to you from a troubled Jerusalem in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. On behalf of Bishop Munib Younan, I would like to express the ELCJ’s deepest sorrow and strongest condemnation for the atrocious attack and savage act of terrorism on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon, Washington D.C., whereby thousands of innocent people lost their lives.

Dear Bishop Anderson:

Salaam and grace to you from a troubled Jerusalem in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

On behalf of Bishop Munib Younan, I would like to express the ELCJ’s deepest sorrow and strongest condemnation for the atrocious attack and savage act of terrorism on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon, Washington D.C., whereby thousands of innocent people lost their lives.  In a telephone conversation this morning, Bishop Younan who is currently traveling in the United States expressed his deep personal shock and feeling of sympathy with the families of the victims.  He affirmed his belief that we in the Church cannot give in to the forces of extremism, but have to give our support to the forces of moderation.

Bishop Younan, on behalf of all the members of our Church would like to express to you as the spiritual leader of our sister Church, to the members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the entire American people our solidarity and condolence.  Your pain is our pain.  We were shocked to watch this unprecedented act of violence and terrorism.  We therefore share your sadness and sorrow for the loss of so many innocent lives.

We pray for you, and express our solidarity with all the families and relatives of the victims.

We take refuge in God’s promise to unfailingly be with those are in need of His enduring presence.

Respectfully yours,

George Awad
ELCJ Church Secretary & Assistant to the Bishop

On behalf of Bishop Munib Younan
Currently traveling in California, USA)