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“In the new political stage opened after the elections of 14 March, the legitimate authorities may count on the collaboration of everyone in the absolutely priority task of the struggle against terrorism. Catholics will provide this collaboration without any misgivings, offering the strong courage inspired by a hope that cannot be quenched”. So say the Spanish bishops in a statement issued today by the permanent committee of the Spanish Episcopal Conference entitled “Hope against terrorism” in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Madrid and the general elections. The bishops appeal directly “to Catholics and to all Spaniards”: “The grief of many families, of the people of Madrid and of the whole of Spain is great. Suffering, however, ought not to give way to uncontrolled fear or to discouragement. The terrorism suffered by our society for too many years may also threaten us now from elsewhere and from other groups. It aims, as always, to spread fear and hatred among everyone, to bend the will and force society and the State to yield to its own ends. It shall not achieve them if we refuse to surrender to its blackmail and maintain a serene spirit, including the magnanimity of forgiveness”. “No negotiation with terrorism is possible the bishops emphasise -, for by doing so its criminal actions obtain social or political credit. Terrorists shall be called to answer for their own crimes before human justice and before that of God”. The response of the Spanish people to terrorism, observe the Spanish bishops, “has been admirable in numerous concrete gestures of aid and charity to the victims, demonstrating that love is stronger than hatred and death”. The bishops also note that almost all the Episcopal Conferences have expressed their solidarity, while the Pope “has closely followed the unfolding of events”.
