WASHINGTON — U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) President Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake issued the following statement on the terrorist attack in Paris, France:
“The mayors of the United States of America stand in solidarity with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and the people of Paris. This was a senseless act of terrorism and our hearts and prayers go out to all of the victims, their families and loved ones. America’s mayors will continue to stand vigilant against terrorism anywhere.”
The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are nearly 1400 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/usmayors, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/usmayors.
SOURCE The U.S. Conference of Mayors
Bishops’ Administrative Committee Voices Solidarity in Wake of Paris Attacks, Pledges Prayers for the Suffering, Support for Peace
BALTIMORE — The Administrative Committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) pledged prayers for those suffering from the November 13 terror attacks in Paris and support for “all those working to build just and peaceful societies” in a statement, November 14. Meeting in Baltimore ahead of the bishops’ Fall General Assembly, the Administrative Committee is comprised of USCCB’s officers, committee chairmen and other bishops representing every region of the United States.
Full text of the statement follows:
A Statement of Solidarity
From the Administrative Committee
Of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Terror always seeks to separate us from those we most love. Through their suffering, courage and compassion, Parisians are reminding us that the common bond of humanity is strongest when the need is greatest. We pledge our prayers for everyone who suffers from this horrific violence and our advocacy to support all those working to build just and peaceful societies.
To the people of France, we mourn with you and honor the lives lost from several nations, including our own. To our brothers and sisters in the Church in France, your family in the United States holds you close to our hearts. May the tender and merciful love of Jesus Christ give you comfort during this great trial and lead you on a path toward healing and peace.
SOURCE U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
American Legion Commander extends condolences to Paris
INDIANAPOLIS — American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett issued the following statement and condolences regarding last night’s terrorist attacks in Paris:
“The American Legion, which was born in Paris in 1919, expresses our heart-felt condolences to the families of those who were murdered, and we are united with the French people in our resolve to rid the earth of the scourge of radical Islam.”
With a current membership of 2.2 million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through nearly 14,000 posts across the nation.
SOURCE The American Legion
Statement by Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC)/CONEL Regarding the attacks in Paris
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families of the tragic shootings that took place yesterday in Paris, France. The world we live in is filled with darkness that spans the globe and no country or region is exempt. The hatred that is most often expressed through violence is nothing short of horrific and is sadly a sign of the times. Terrorism in any capacity is difficult to swallow, hard to understand, and usually results in tragedy that rips families, communities, and cities apart. Now more than ever, we as Christ followers need to rally together and pray for hope and healing in a hurting, fallen, and broken world.
“May the Comforter, the Holy Spirit of God, descend upon that city and heal the hearts, bodies, and minds of those victimized by terror. May the strength of the Father, the grace of His son, and the anointing of The Spirit fill Paris with shalom from above. In Jesus’ name.”
NHCLC/CONEL is the world’s largest Hispanic Christian organization. It serves as a representative voice for the more than 100 million Hispanic Evangelicals assembled in over 40,000 U.S. churches and another 500,000 congregations spread throughout the Spanish-speaking diaspora. For additional information, visit http://www.nhclc.org.
SOURCE National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference