Holy Cross Catholic Church, interfaith organization, others release statements on church explosions

Holy Cross Official Statement

During Sunday 8 am mass, our devoted parishioners were disrupted by a senseless act of violence. An explosive device was detonated outside the church doors in a steel trashcan. Thanks be to God there were no injuries. Law enforcement responded immediately, asking parishioners to leave campus. Our parishioners, community, and bishops demonstrated their unity. Volunteers worked together to shuttle parishioners home. The firemen provided food and water.

In a show of support, Monsignor Anderson was contacted by the pastor at Calvary Baptist Church which had been bombed earlier that morning. Members of the community joined local clergy for a rally Pioneer Park. Prayers were offered in thanksgiving to God for the safety of the parish communities and a common sense of unity prevailed.

We have received assurances by Governor Martinez and expressions of support by State Senators. Federal, state and local government agencies continue to monitor the campus and are actively investigating the crime. Anyone with information should contact 1-800-CALL-FBI

At this moment the most important action we can take is to pray and attend mass. We must show that we are united and that our faith is strong. To every believer, our Lord has told us,

FEAR NOT, for I am with you; do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you (Isaiah 41:10)

We look forward to seeing you at our weekday and weekend masses – Come Celebrate with Us!

Monday – Friday: 8 am / 12:10 pm

Saturday: 4:30 / 6:30 Spanish

Sunday: 8:00, 9:45, 11:45, 1:00 Spanish, 4:00 Youth

Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces posted this statement on its Facebook page

Let us pray today in thanksgiving that no one was hurt at either Holy Cross or Calvary Baptist. Let us also pray for those who would do such harm, that their hearts and minds be opened to love, rather than hate; to building up, rather than tearing down.

Catholic Diocese of El Paso posted this message on its Facebook page:

First, our prayers and hearts go out to the community of Las Cruces. Like them, we are so grateful to God that no one was hurt during the two incidents which occurred this morning.

News of these occurrences has us reflecting on our own security measures. We continue to encourage our parishioners to be vigilant as we always have. We ask everyone – Religious and laypeople – who feel they are seeing people or things out of the ordinary to please contact the El Paso Police Department.

We pray that today’s occurrence is an isolated one and not an indication of future problems. And, as always, we stand united with our brothers and sisters, in Las Cruces.

Local Interfaith Alliance Issues Statement on the Recent Church Bombings

The El Paso and Southern New Mexico Interfaith Alliance joins parishioners of Calvary Baptist Church and Holy Cross Catholic Church in condemning this act of senseless violence against these two houses of worship in Las Cruces, New Mexico, today. Our hearts go out to the community of Las Cruces, and like them, we are so grateful that no one was hurt during the mailbox and trash bin bombings which occurred this morning.

Our Alliance consists of clergy and members of Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and other faith-based communities, and it has agreed to speak in solidarity with one voice whenever an act of hatred or destruction threatens any faith-based communities in our region.

Violence is the desperate and brutish act of people that promotes intolerance and is antithetical to all our spiritual traditions and teachings. We promote dialogue and cooperation out of the deepest roots of each of our faith traditions, contributing in this way to a culture of peace and respect for human dignity in our society. To offend one community is to offend all of us. We pray for a greater unity among all peoples with mutual respect and understanding of the gifts we call bring in forming a better world.

We urge our civil authorities to investigate fully this crime and to bring to account those who put so many lives in danger by this despicable violent act, which specifically targeted the faith communities of our region.

Rev. Deborah Clugy-Soto, Revolution United Church of Christ

Mons. Arturo Bauelas, St. Mark Catholic Church

Nosrat Heiderian, Baha’i Community of El Paso

Mr. Robert Byrd, Zen Buddhist Community

Peter and Kathy Kapenga, Evangelical Lutheran Church

Rev. Tony Celino, Santa Lucia Catholic Church

Rev. Jos Morales, Holy Spirit Catholic Church

Rev. Robert E. Mosher, Columban Mission Center

Ms. Patricia Delgado, Pax Christi El Paso

Rev. Ed Carpenter, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pax Christi El Paso

Rev. Dennis O’Mara, Pax Christi El Paso

Dylan Corbett, Hope Border Institute

Rabbi Stephen Leon, Congregation B’nai Zion

Rev. Daiho Hilbert-roshi, Zen Buddhist Community

Mr. Sabri Agachan, Raindrop Turkish House

U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement on the detonation of two explosive devices Sunday morning at Calvary Baptist Church and Holy Cross Catholic Church in Las Cruces:

“My thoughts and prayers are with the congregations of Calvary Baptist Church, Holy Cross Catholic Church and the people of Las Cruces. While I’m relieved that no one was hurt, I’m disturbed that it appears the explosions were intended to cause harm. New Mexicans will not tolerate this unconscionable violence or attempts to instill fear in our places of worship. I’m thankful to the law enforcement officers who responded swiftly yesterday and to those who continue to investigate, and I hope that those responsible will be caught promptly and brought to justice.

“Yesterday’s multi-faith vigil and the outpouring of support from across the state demonstrate that New Mexicans won’t be divided by violence — we stand together in difficult times. I know the community will continue to find strength in one another and their faith.”

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement on the two explosions that took place at Calvary Baptist Church and Holy Cross Catholic Church in Las Cruces:

“I am deeply grateful that no one was hurt by the explosive devices that were detonated at two churches in Las Cruces. Let us all make absolutely clear that New Mexico will not tolerate violence against our houses of worship or attempts to spread fear and division among us. The way this community has responded, coming together to find strength in one another and in their faith, is an example we should all look to as we make clear that we all stand with our friends in Las Cruces.”