Belgian-Luxembourg Conference Responds to Brussels Attacks
The following statement has been issued by the Belgian-Luxembourg Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in response to bombing attacks in Brussels today.
Brussels Shocked by Attacks.
Today (Tuesday 22nd of March) Brussels is shocked by a series of terrorist attacks. Dozens dead and a hundred wounded after two explosions at the Zaventem international airport and an explosion in the Maelbeek metro station. The metro station is located in the European district, near the European Parliament.
The regional headquarters of the Adventist Church in Belgium and Luxembourg is located in the center of the Belgian capital. None of the staff of the Belgian-Luxembourg Conference or their families were affected by the attacks. "But obviously our concerns and prayers go out to the victims and their families," said Jeroen Tuinstra, conference president, "We are shocked by these attacks. Violence in whatever name of God, can never be excused. At the same time we must be careful to not treat a particular ethnicity or religion differently. Among the victims are all persuasions present, Muslim, Jew, Christian or Atheist. "
The world headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church expressed its support in a statement this morning. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Brussels who have sustained terrible explosions causing death and destruction. One of those blasts was very near our Seventh-day Adventist headquarters for that region. I have prayed for the people of Belgium and for our church members who can be a spiritual strength to others in this very difficult time,” said Ted Wilson, president of the world church.
The regional headquarters in Europe in Bern also noted: "Firm and unconditional is our condemnation of all acts of terror, violence and oppression. May weapons, hate and violence cease! No religion is responsible for terrorism. People are responsible for violence and terrorism. We are all brothers and sisters, children of one same Father."
The Adventist Church in the Netherlands also showed her compassion by a press release from its president, Wim Altink: "We are shocked and horrified by a series of bombings in Brussels. We show our sympathy with the victims and all Belgians. We have expressed our support to the president of the Adventist Church in Belgium. Our prayers and thoughts are with them all."
Meanwhile the Belgian Interior Minister, Jan Jambon has announced three days of national mourning.
The president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventsits, Ted Wilson, has also issued a statement, saying:
Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Brussels who have sustained terrible explosions causing death and destruction. One of those blasts was very near our Seventh-day Adventist headquarters for that region. I have prayed for the people of Belgium and for our church members who can be a spiritual strength to others in this very difficult time. We thank our youth for having encouraged many in the city, including the police station, this last Sabbath on Global Youth Day…..may our youth and members continue to provide Christ's ministry of love and compassion in Total Member Involvement during this traumatic situation. Today, during our General Conference committees, we will earnestly pray for the country of Belgium, our church members and the families affected by this terrible tragedy."
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