Belgian Muslims Express Solidarity with Catholics After Nice Basilica Attack

"In these difficult times, as representatives of the Federation of Mosques of Brussels and as Belgian Muslims, we wanted to express our solidarity with the Catholic community and with all Christians, following the attack perpetrated in the Notre-Dame basilica in Nice and the murder of three believers," said Mohamed Belabed, advisor to the Federation of Mosques of Brussels, on Saturday at the Cathedral of Saints-Michel-and-Gudule. For him, the attack that took place in Nice is an abject, horrible and inhuman act that cannot and will not in any way be linked to Islam and Muslims.

"We unequivocally condemn these barbaric terrorist acts. We remain vigilant and committed to freedom of worship, to the peaceful practice of acts of faith, far from murderous ideologies. We continue tirelessly to contribute jointly to social peace and living together. We all have a mission to promote cordial understanding between our believing and non-believing fellow citizens and to call to reason those who maintain messages of hatred and contempt towards the convictions of others," said the representative of the mosques.

"You cannot kill someone in the name of God! We believe in a God of life, a God whose human person is the most beautiful of his creations. Whatever the motives, you cannot kill in the name of God. We have witnessed horrible acts in France these last few days. Civil society is horrified. The state authorities are reacting. But it is appropriate that religious leaders also react, firmly, clearly, together," said Bishop Jean Kockerols for his part. He welcomed the initiative of the Federation of Mosques of Brussels.

According to him, Christians and Muslims want, through this initiative, to reaffirm together their desire to respect each other. "At the heart of our attitude is respect for the other, in his humanity, in his unique dignity, whatever our differences. Christians and Muslims want to reaffirm together their desire to meet. The necessary encounter, to always learn to know each other better, to talk to each other, to listen to each other. Christians and Muslims want to reaffirm together their desire to be responsible in the city and the world, our common home, to be citizens working for the happiness of all, in peace and for peace," added the bishop.