The Conference of European Churches (CEC) has expressed solidarity with its member churches, the Protestant Church in Spain and the Reformed Episcopal Church of Spain, following the deadly train crash in central Spain.

Two high-speed trains collided near Urda, in Toledo province, on 28 October. The crash killed dozens of people and left many injured.

In a letter to the member churches, CEC General Secretary Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach offered condolences and prayers for those affected.

“The loss of so many lives in a single moment is heartbreaking,” Fischbach wrote. “Our thoughts are also with those who were injured, their families and loved ones, and all those who experienced the horror of this tragedy firsthand.”

The letter opens with the words of the Apostle Paul: “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it.”

Fischbach prayed for comfort for those who mourn, recovery for the injured and strength for everyone providing care and support. He also affirmed CEC’s solidarity with the churches as they offer hope and comfort to those affected.