This is because they assume that the families of the suicide bombers are like, say, the families of the Columbine killers: astounded and ashamed by the killings. That may indeed be the case, but the jihad ideology makes this case a bit different from Columbine: it is possible, although not at all certain, that the families hold to the same views as the killers. That should at least be determined, if possible (and not just by statements from the families, for they will no doubt jump at this invitation whether from gratitude or calculation), before such an invitation is made. “Church row over bomber families,” from the TimesOnline, with thanks to Steven:
CHURCH leaders want to invite the families of the July 7 suicide bombers to a national memorial service in honour of the victims.
The service of commemoration is to be held at St Paul’s Cathedral on November 1 and will be attended by the Queen and Tony Blair.
Two senior Church of England bishops believe that extending the invitation to the bombers” families would acknowledge their own loss and send a powerful message of reconciliation to the Muslim community. “It will acknowledge the wickedness of the act and the grief and devastation it has caused,” said Martin Wharton, the Bishop of Newcastle. “I believe this has to be an inclusive invitation.”
Jack Nicholls, Bishop of Sheffield, said: “We have to look forward, not back, forward to a society in which Muslims and Christians live together amicably in an integrated community.” While Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, declined to comment, senior church sources said that he would “see the value” of inviting the bombers” families.