We, the Dutch bishops, sympathise with our colleagues in the United States and especially with the bishops of the severely afflicted cities of New York and Washington. We assure the American Bishops' Conference of our unity in prayer for the victims and their families. We were speechless when we first heard of the dramatic news during our meeting yesterday. Our first reaction was to withdraw in prayer. We are certain that in the coming weekend the Dutch faithful will gather to prayer for the victims and their families as well as for justice and peace. Have no doubt that the Dutch catholic community profoundly shares your concern for the lot of the victims. We support your call to the American people to renew their trust in God and to avoid the downward spiral of hatred that results from ethnic, religious and national stereotypes.

Adrianus Cardinal Simonis
Archbishop of Utrecht
President