On behalf of all of us attending the 58th world session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church here in St Louis we would like to express our shock and horror at the mindless acts of terror, brutality and extremism seen in London today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and bereaved.

We are living in an increasingly unstable and dangerous world. We recognize that there are those who mistakenly see violence as the way to promote their cause claiming that their cause is absolute and taking lives is fully justified.

Seventh-day Adventists are people of peace and compassion. Our Lord is the Lord of peace. As a people we unequivocally condemn violence as a solution. Churches in South England are open for special prayer and the Advent Centre, close to one of the explosions in central London, is remaining open to care for the needs of those in the area. The church is in contact with hospital chaplains in the area providing support as needed.

Sadly we live in a world where these atrocities continue to happen. It is a sign of the times in which we live. But even within the context of sorrow we thank God for the hope that He gives to all who believe. We look forward to a time when sin, death and suffering are no more. When Jesus returns.

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Released by the Communication Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church World Headquarters; 58th General Conference Session, St. Louis, Missouri, United States, July 7, 2005