"It is with a sense of shock that we heard the news of the terrible acts of violence that rocked lower Manhattan and Washington DC yesterday. No amount of words can describe our feelings about the senseless loss of lives resulting from the planes that crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington DC."

With these words Dr Setri Nyomi, general secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, opened a message of sympathy and support to Alliance member churches in the United States and the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA.

The message, sent on Wednesday September 12, continues as follows:

"On behalf of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, we extend to the churches and peoples of the USA, and especially to the families affected, our deepest condolences. We share in your grief. We pray that you will be surrounded by God's comforting presence through these difficult times. We also pray for speedy recovery for those who have suffered injuries.

We pray for the government and all those involved in decision-making, that they will be governed by wisdom from above in responding to this great tragedy. We pray that God will continue to lead you in the churches as you minister to people through these difficult times, and as you continue to be faithful prophetic instruments of God opposing evil in every form.

On behalf of the Warc President, Professor CS Song, the Executive Committee, and all colleagues here in Geneva, we express to you our deepest condolences, and assure you that you are in our thoughts and prayers."

In a personal statement, Professor Song commented that the attacks dealt "a devastating blow to humanity's efforts towards reconciliation of peoples and nations, and peace in the world".

"Our commitment to life calls Reformed Christians everywhere to stand for life against all the forms in which the forces of death confront us," Song added.

Over the weekend, Dr Nyomi said that "this is not a time for hasty reaction, but for careful - and prayerful - thought", and spoke again of "the pain and suffering that the attack has brought to many families, as well as the feelings of insecurity it has brought to millions of people both in the US and around the world".