Ireland: Christian Church leaders respond to attack on Mosque in Galway

Masjid Maryam Mosque is the first Mosque built by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Ireland

Church leaders in Ireland have issues a joint statement in response to Monday's attack on the Masjid Maryam Mosque in Galway. They state:

We unequivocally and without hesitation condemn the recent malicious, unprovoked attack on Masjid Maryam Mosque.

Coming during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and during Mosque prayers makes such loutish, criminal behaviour particularly outrageous. Our city has always enjoyed excellent inter-faith relations. This attack serves to further our resolve, and the resolve of our faith communities, to work and pray to ensure that these relationships are further deepened.

At this difficult time we together offer our full and wholehearted support to Imam Ibrahim Ahmad Noonan, to the Ahmadiyyan Muslim Association of Ireland and to our Muslims brothers and sisters here in Galway and throughout Ireland.

In an increasingly secular world, we look forward to further strengthening our bonds of cooperation, friendship, respect, prayer and peace.

Very Rev Canon Michael McLoughlin
Diocesan Administrator
Representing the Roman Catholic Church

Archdeacon Gary Hastings
Rector of the Collegiate Church of Saint Nicholas
Representing the Church of Ireland

Rev Helen Freeburn
Representing the Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church

Richard Kimball
Representing The Religious Society of Friends in Ireland

For more information on the attack see: www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/galway-muslim-group-heartened-by-support-after-mosque-damaged-1.3109818