BRUSSELS - European Christian, Jewish and Muslim religious leaders condemned last week's attacks in London on Tuesday, vowing unity and saying no act of terror could be justified by religious beliefs.
The clerics met European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, five days after attacks on London's transport systems, which killed at least 52 people and injured hundreds.
"All participants strongly condemn the terrorist attacks against innocent people in London. No reason, in particular not a religious one, can justify such acts against humanity," they said in a statement read by Barroso to a news conference.
The leaders said they were committed to a unified, peaceful Europe at a time when the 25-nation European Union was fighting economic stagnation in some countries and the double blow of "No" votes by the Dutch and French on the bloc's constitution.
Barroso said the group was particularly concerned about a backlash against Muslim citizens as a result of the attacks, suspected to have been carried out by al Qaeda bombers.
"We are also concerned about the reaction that could happen against Islamic communities in Europe," he said, adding no religious community should be "considered guilty" for such criminal acts.
British police reported several apparent reprisal attacks on mosques, including one in which one person was injured.
The Commission said Barroso also discussed the future of European integration with the religious leaders in the aftermath of the setback to the EU constitution.
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