Delegates to the 58th General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church today expressed their "shock and horror at the mindless acts of terror, brutality and extremism seen in London today," according to a statement read to delegates by Pastor Ted N.C. Wilson, a general vice president of the world church.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and bereaved," Wilson read at the opening of the Thursday, July 7 business session.

"We are living in an increasingly unstable and dangerous world," the church's statement added. "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."

In contrast, the statement expresses that "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."

The Adventist statement also referred to the reaction of the church in England. It said, "Churches in South England are currently 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."

Praying for the victims and their families, Adventist pastor Cecil Perry, president of the church in Britain, said, "We pray today for the people who are suffering violence around the world, and today especially in London. We pray that you will remember those families that are now suffering and the near 200 people that have been injured, and the over 40 who to date have died. We pray that you will encourage the hearts of our members, especially there, that they will recount again the assurances you have given that one day peace will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea."

Pastor Don McFarlane, president of the South England church area, attending the session, offered his thoughts on the tragedy.

"Although I am here in St. Louis my heart is back in England with those who have been affected by this sad tragedy, especially those who have lost loved ones," McFarlane said.

He added, "I have written to our pastors and church elders to invite the Adventist community to unite in praying for those who have been affected by the bombings and to offer whatever help they can. Perhaps the most important help that can be provided is to offer a sense of hope in this time of seeming hopelessness."

There are nearly 25,000 Seventh-day Adventists in Britain, of which approximately 13,000 live in the Greater London Area, where there are 60 congregations. [Editor: Mark A. Kellner for ANN/APD]