World Council of Churches denounces attack on mosque in Norway

By Vatican News

A lone gunman broke through the glass doors of the Al-Noor Islamic Centre on the outskirts of Oslo, in Norway, on Saturday and started shooting. One person was injured before people in the mosque overpowered him.

World Council of Churches General Secretary, Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, has denounced the attack, urging all people of good will to come together with love and prayer, whether in their own communities or across the world.

“We received this terrible news with dismay and with a strengthened resolve to continue interreligious support and dialogue in the best ways we know how”, he said. “Nobody should have to pray in fear of attacks such as this. Let us stand together - even in our frustration, sorrow, and anger - because ultimately we stand with love for one another.”

The attack on the mosque took place the day before one of the holiest Islamic holidays, the “Feast of the Sacrifice”, marking the height of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.