Brussels, Tuesday 22nd of March, 2016. [CD-EUDNews. Belgian-Luxembourg Conference Communication]. March 22, Brussels is shocked by a series of terrorist attacks. Dozens dead and a hundred wounded after two explosions at the Zaventem international airport and an explosion in the Maelbeek metro station. The metro station is located in the European district, near the European Parliament.
The regional headquarters of the Adventist Church in Belgium and Luxembourg is located in the center of the Belgian capital. None of the staff of the Belgian-Luxembourg Conference or their families were affected by the attacks. "But obviously our concerns and prayers go out to the victims and their families," said Jeroen Tuinstra, Conference President, "We are shocked by these attacks. Violence in whatever name of God, can never be excused. At the same time we must be careful to now treat a particular ethnicity or religion differently. Among the victims are all persuasions present, Muslim, Jew, Christian or Atheist."
The world headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church expressed its support in a statement. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Brussels who have sustained terrible explosions causing death and destruction. One of those blasts was very near our Seventh-day Adventist headquarters for that region. I have prayed for the people of Belgium and for our church members who can be a spiritual strength to others in this very difficult time,” said Ted Wilson, president of the world Seventh-day Adventist church.
The regional headquarters in Europe in Bern also noted: "Firm and unconditional is our condemnation of all acts of terror, violence and oppression. May weapons, hate and violence cease! No religion is responsible for terrorism. People are responsible for violence and terrorism. We are all brothers and sisters, children of one same Father."
According to Pastor de Abreu, President of Franco-Belgian Union, "It is important to work for peace and justice while avoiding any form of fanaticism. The Seventh-day Adventist Church empathize with the families in grief. The Gospel compels us to believe in that hope revealed by Jesus Christ, in a time when God will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain."
The Adventist Church in the Netherlands also showed her compassion by a press release from its president, Wim Altink: "We are shocked and horrified by a series of bombings in Brussels. We show our sympathy with the victims and all Belgians. We have expressed our support to the president of the Adventist Church in Belgium. Our prayers and thoughts are with them all."
Meanwhile the Belgian Interior Minister, Jan Jambon has announced three days of national mourning.
