The Omagh bombing has been condemned by church leaders who have appealed for restraint and calm. The Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames, said "words seem utterly useless at a time like this" to express adequately the horror and revulsion at what had happened. "My thoughts and prayers are with all the people of Omagh, with the injured, with the loved ones of those killed, and the emergency services," he said.
The Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Sean Brady, said: "I am appalled, shocked and deeply saddened by this dreadful atrocity which has killed and maimed many innocent people. I pray that God may comfort the families and relatives of those who have died. I offer to them and to the injured my deepest sympathy. Those who carried out this terrible act of murder have done so with a ruthless determination to wreck the prospects for peace. They must not be allowed to succeed."
The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Desmond Connell, said: "I wish to convey my horror at the sadistic attack on the people of Omagh. May God grant the fullness of eternal life to all who have been robbed of the gift of life, healing for those who have been cruelly injured and comfort to the bereaved and distressed."
The Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Walton Empey, said it was impossible for people to plumb the depths of evil in the minds of the people who committed such atrocities. "They are depraved beyond belief."
He added: "Our hearts and prayers go out to the bereaved and maimed and all those who love them. Other than that, words cannot convey the horror which engulfs us all. This atrocity makes the peace process more urgent than ever in the face of those who cannot comprehend what democracy is all about."
The Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor, Dr Patrick Walsh, who visited the hospital in Omagh yesterday, urged those who planted the bomb "to come to their senses" and end the violence.
The President of the Methodist Church, Rev David Kerr, condemned the bombing and expressed his "shock, sadness and outrage" at the "mindless and savage violence" inflicted on innocent people. He appealed to the people "who carried out this barbaric act" to end their violent campaign. It was now important that people remained calm and showed restraint, he said.
The Presbyterian Moderator, Dr John Dixon, said such scandalous violence following the recent spate of bombings and killings could not continue. Full support should be given to decisive actions that must now be taken by the British and Irish governments and the security forces acting on both sides of the border to stop these terrorists, who were committed to death and destruction.