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The attack affected several Christian organizations with offices in New York, Maryland and Virginia. The national headquarters of the Salvation Army had closed by 10:30 a.m. EST.

Craig Barnes, pastor of National Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., told Presbyterian News Service that the church is still trying to locate several members who work at the Pentagon or who might have been in New York. The church planned prayer vigils for Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

Leaders called for prayer, justice, and mercy in response to the attack.

"As Christians, it is important that we behave responsibly at this time and not act harshly," said George Anderson, presiding bishop of the ELCA. "We offer prayers for our leaders, who must reassure a shaken nation and investigate today's terrible deeds. Our first thoughts should be to respond to our fellow human beings with love and compassion."

Calver, a Brit, urged the U.S. to avoid vengeful response. "Don't seek for revenge," Calver said. "We must seek for justice. The danger is that we will respond in kind."

Despite the uncertainty and fear surrounding the attack, Colson said one thing is clear.

"The soul of our nation is facing one of its darkest hours," he said. "May God help us."

LaTonya Taylor is editorial resident at Christianity Today.

Copyright © 2001 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

In the Belly of the Beast | Christians, calling terrorist attack "satanically brilliant," minister at epicenter of World Trade disaster. (Sept. 12, 2001)

Churches, Agencies Respond to Attacks | Leaders call for prayer, justice, and mercy. (Sept. 12, 2001)

Muslims Fear a Backlash | No matter who is responsible, observers feel a reaction will still be present. (Sept. 12, 2001)

A Wake-Up Call to Become Global Christians | The deadly attacks on America will provoke many responses, but Christians are commanded to love our neighbors. (Sept. 12, 2001)

Nation's Religious Leaders Urge Calm, Pray for Peace | Churches will maintain prayer vigils for victims and leaders. (Sept. 11, 2001)

Church Leaders Around World Deplore 'Unspeakable Horror' of Attack | Christians urged to unite in prayer as they unite in shock and denunciation. (Sept. 11, 2001)

Experts Say Spiritual Roots Will Aid in Coping With Catastrophe | Pray and connect with others, advise nation's chaplains. (Sept. 11, 2001)

Fear and Hate | In times like this, as in all other times, Christians have a responsibility to love above all else. (Sept. 11, 2001)

God's Message in the Language of Events | In the face of evil, we must focus on keeping our hearts right. (Sept. 11, 2001)

For in-depth and continuing coverage of the attacks, see The New York Times, The Washington Post, BBC, CNN, and Yahoo full coverage.

For more Christian perspectives and responses, see various articles posted Christianity.com, Crosswalk.com, and Beliefnet.com.

The BBC, Boston.com, The Village Voice, and USA Today have photo essays of yesterday's destruction.

For video or audio coverage, see CNN, ABC News,and Sky News. The Washington Post is running a live Web cam of the Pentagon building.

The BBC has compiled reactions from world leaders (with video).

President Bush addressed the nation on Tuesday evening (video | transcript). He also released a statement Tuesday afternoon. Bush first learned of the World Trade Center tragedy while preparing to speak to schoolchildren in Sarasota, Fla.. There, he asked Amercians for a moment of silence for the victims.

Slate.com explained who responds to crisis situations like Tuesday's.

The Pope and Billy Graham have spoke out on the tragedy and sent out prayers to the victims and their families.

An Interpol report details the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center.

Churches and organizations mentioned above include: Family Research Council, North American Mission Board, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The National Presbyterian Church, World Relief, and Christian Reformed World Relief Committee

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September (Web-only) 2001, Vol. 45