St-Etienne-du-Rouvray: Bishop Andrew statement

The Bishop of Guildford, Andrew Watson has spoken of his anguish on the death of Father Jacques Hamel today at the Church of St Etienne du Rovray, near Rouen.

Bishop Andrew said:

“I am deeply saddened by the events today at the Church of St-Etienne-du-Rouvray, and we join with our brothers and sisters in France in prayer and anguish. Our Diocese of Guildford is linked with Evry, near Paris, and I have written to Bishop Michel of that Diocese to convey our shock and prayer. There is no peaceable alternative to a society where people of all faiths are valued and free to worship without fear, but these events show that this is something which can never be taken for granted. Now more than ever we must resist the language of fear and reprisal, and speak aloud the values of tolerance and love which unite the vast majority of our global family.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, wrote on his facebook page:

"Evil attacks the weakest, denies truth and love, is defeated through Jesus Christ.
We pray for France, for the victims and for their communities.
Le mal attaque les plus faibles, nie toute vérité et amour, est vaincu par Jésus.
Prions pour la France, ses victimes et ses communautés."