London Bridge Attack Latest: Islam Needs to 'Take Responsibility' for Terrorist Attacks, Says Archbishop of Canterbury

By Leah Marieann Klett
London
The Most Reverend Welby has said that Islam needs to "take responsibility" for terror attacks carried out in its name AP Photo

In the wake of the London Bridge terror attack, Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said Islam needs to "take responsibility" for atrocities carried out in its name and reminded his country that the love of Jesus "is more powerful than the evil of terror or the profound wickedness of the terrorist."

Speaking to BBC, Welby admitted that throughout history, people have "twisted and misused" religious text to justify hate and violence - but it's foolish to believe Islam has "nothing to do" with the ongoing terrorist attacks.

"We have got to say that if something happens within our own faith tradition we need to take responsibility for countering that," he said, adding that politicians should not just say "this is nothing to do with Islam" and focus on the security of political aspects of it.

"I don't think it is getting us anywhere, just like saying Srebrenica had nothing to do with Christianity", he said, referring to the 1995 massacre of over 8,000 Bosniak Muslim men and boys by a Bosnian Serb army during the Bosnian Civil War following the break up of Yugoslavia.

At least seven people were killed and nearly 50 people were injured when a van carrying three terrorists rammed into pedestrians on London Bridge before they jumped out and went on a rampage, stabbing people at random on the street.

The names of the victims have not been released officially, but it is known that one of those who died was from Canada. People from France, New Zealand and Australia are among the wounded.

Speaking at Folkestone in Kent yesterday, Welby said, "The terrorists want to divide us. They want to make us hate one another. They want to change our way of life. But just like we saw in Manchester, Londoners are responding with generosity and open hearts... with courage and resilience."

And he added, "The strongest power in the world is the love of Jesus Christ. It is more powerful than the evil of terror or the profound wickedness of the terrorist."

The London Bridge attack was the third terrorist attack in England in three months. ISIS later took responsibility for the attack in a statement published on its "news agency" Amaq.

An article, titled "Blessed Battle of Manchester: A new lesson for tyrants, Crusader States," said Britain thought it "was safe from the wounds of the Mujahideen... Protected by the sea they have long relied on isolating themselves" and that "their exit from the European Union would save them." The article continued, "A soldier from the Islamic State" in Manchester "has unleashed terror throughout their country, they rushed to spread the army in the cities, mobilizing police and security in the streets for fear of a new attack," which "is inevitable, God willing."

Last month, British intelligence officers said the U.K. is home to 23,000 jihadist extremists who are potential attackers.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said following the London attack that there is "far too much tolerance of extremism in our country."

"It is time to say enough is enough," she said. "Everybody needs to go about their lives as they normally would. Our society should continue to function in accordance with our values. But when it comes to taking on extremism and terrorism, things need to change."

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo