After the foiled bomb plots in London on Friday 29 June 2007 and the car bomb attack on Glasgow Airport on Saturday 30 June, churches in the effected areas and beyond have been responding with pastoral support.
Bishop Philip Tartaglia, the Catholic Bishop of Paisley in whose diocese Glasgow Airport is situated, issued a response from Lourdes in France where he is on a diocesan pilgrimage.
He said: “I am deeply saddened at the news of the attack on Glasgow Airport. I commend the swift action of the police and security staff on the scene and welcome the fact that injury to passengers and airport employees was avoided.”
He added that the church’s “prayers are with all the staff as they return to work over the next few days and with the passengers who will use the terminal as the building re-opens.”
Bishop Tartaglia said: “The Diocese of Paisley will be glad to assist the airport operator in any way possible in the weeks and months ahead.”
Chaplains and volunteers from different faith groups and community organisations have also pledged their support.
A chaplain told Ekklesia: “When things like this happen, what you see on TV are the politicians, police the managers and the statutory emergency services. They do a difficult and incredible job.
“But keeping life moving and people supported also depends on a pool of helpers from all faith backgrouns and none – persons of goodwill who can offer informal support to those impacted by these events.”