Canada: Catholic Bishops condemn attack on Quebec mosque

Bishop Crosby

Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI, Bishop of Hamilton and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a message on Monday on behalf of church leaders expressing their shock and offering condolences to all affected by the attack on a mosque in Quebec City on Sunday. Bishop Crosby wrote:

It was with horror and shock that we were all made aware of the violent and senseless attack carried out at the Centre culturel islamique de Québec yesterday evening. Such murderous violence is to be condemned in the strongest possible terms. It is a violation of the sanctity of human life; an assault on the right and freedom of the members of all religions to gather and pray in the name of their deepest beliefs; a wound to the peace, order and tranquility of our nation and its communities; and the desecration of a house of prayer and worship.

I join Pope Francis and His Eminence Gérald Cyprien Cardinal Lacroix, Archbishop of Québec and Primate of Canada, in extending condolences and prayers from my brother Bishops, as well as from Catholics across Canada to the victims, their families and friends. I also convey gratitude to our national and community leaders, together with the law enforcement and medical professionals, who are responding to this tragedy.

As persons of faith, we pray earnestly for the souls of the victims and that consolation and peace be bestowed upon those who suffer their loss.

Most Rev Douglas Crosby, OMI
Bishop of Hamilton and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops