There has been an outpouring of support for the victims and survivors of the Lindt cafe hostage incident, which left 3 dead after an over 8 hour standoff.
Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher, who will lead a mass at St Mary's cathedral at 1:10p.m. today, offered prayers to the victims who died, and the surviving hostages.
I am deeply saddened to hear Sydney's hostage siege has ended with three deaths. We pray for those who died & for the surviving hostages.
— Archbishop Fisher OP (@AnthonyFisherOP) December 15, 2014
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has also extended condolences to the victims.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the two deceased hostages, the wounded and the other hostages. #sydneysiege — Tony Abbott (@TonyAbbottMHR) December 15, 2014
Flags on all Commonwealth buildings will fly at half mast for the victims.
As a mark of respect, flags on all Commonwealth buildings will fly at half-mast for victims of the #sydneysiege pic.twitter.com/nXWLktRhO3
— Tony Abbott (@TonyAbbottMHR) December 15, 2014
Australian Christian Lobby director Lyle Shelton also offered prayers for those caught up in the incident, and commended the rescue efforts by police.
Thank God it's over. Prayers with survivors & victims' families. Great courage shown by police, leadership by Baird & Scipione. — Lyle Shelton (@LyleShelton) December 15, 2014
The man who led the siege has been identified as 50 year old Man Haron Monis, a Muslim cleric who last year was charged with being an accessory to the murder of his ex-wife and mother of two.
Christians and Muslims alike has shown solidarity as the event unfolded, with religious leaders joining in prayer across churches, synagogues and mosques.