Innocent people of the United States were cowardly attacked two days ago and we can presume the weeks and coming months will be unlike any in our history. We are still searching for words to understand such enormous evil and join in prayer with the loved ones of those who have died or are still missing. 

Individuals who are regarded by some as religious or pious people seem to be in favor of such violent actions to achieve their ends. Similarly, more than a few politicians and government leaders advocate what they call “holy war,” selectively quoting renowned religious leaders and religious texts to serve their violent political agendas. We reject utterly any assertion that these murders are done in God's name or are God's will. It is blasphemy, not belief, that drives such people, and it belongs to the community of believers to be as forthright as possible in condemning such action without equivocation, without hesitation, without ceasing. 

Terrorists have claimed that America is a country devoid of religious values and spiritual strength. Clearly they are wrong as citizens join together today with immeasurable spiritual strength and demonstrate heroic and unselfish actions in the face of this catastrophic crime. Our democratic and pluralistic society has been targeted by the small-minded and intolerant. We must never allow ourselves to become like them. 

Our efforts to encourage and strengthen dialogue must be redoubled, our defense strengthened and our efforts spread to ensure the triumph of freedom, equality and justice. Terrorism should not go unrestrained and as people of faith, dedicated to protecting the sanctity and dignity of human life, we know that the task of healing and rebuilding is a difficult process of looking without as it is looking within. Every year, new horrors such as Tuesday's remind us of the incredible distance we still have yet to journey. We have been blessed with steady progress, but the dark clouds surrounding the human heart remain. All of us must continue to stay on the vital and difficult road of dialogue and peace-making. 

There will be no world peace without religious peace. Humanity's very survival depends on its ability to respect and share the great wisdom contained in our religious traditions with each other. We must believe that the deepest hatreds can be overcome by people of good will and faith. Together we can confront any challenges that face us and we hope and pray that we can repair our wounded world for our children and grandchildren. 

Rabbi Joseph H. Ehrenkranz                         David L. Coppola, Ph.D.
Executive Director                                       Associate Executive Director  Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding
of Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, Connecticut