DETROIT — In the wake of the violent death of a Catholic priest at the hands of terrorists in Normandy, France, local Michigan-based Muslims have reached out to the Archdiocese of Detroit to offer their condolences and to condemn the attack.

Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron said he was moved to receive correspondence from the Michigan Muslim Community Council expressing dismay over the attacks and praising the legacy of Fr. Jacques Hamel, who was killed in the July 26 attack while celebrating Mass.

“We are greatly saddened and troubled to hear of his tragic death and wish to express our sadness that so humble a servant of God was called to his Lord in such a cruel and violent manner,” wrote Imam Steve Mustapha Elturk, co-chair of the Imams Council. “We condemn in the strongest terms such a barbaric act. Islam calls for the protection of Churches and priests, not their murder and destruction of houses of worship. … Father Hamel devoted his entire life to serve the people. We pray that his devoted life in this world will be rewarded in the next with peace and joy.”

In the letter, the imams asked Archbishop Vigneron to relay the “heartfelt sympathies” of the local Muslim community to the Archdiocese of Rouen, France, where Fr. Hamel served.

Imam Mohammad Elahi of the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights also wrote personally to the archbishop, offering a prayer for defense against terrorism and expressing inspiration at the words of Pope Francis.

“When I heard the words of wisdom and truth from your most honorable pope, I realized that the pure blood of Father Jacques turned to a tool of truth and awakening in the world of ignorance and injustice!” Imam Elahi wrote in his letter to the archbishop, adding that he admired the pope’s integrity and leadership.

In response to the imams’ letters, Archbishop Vigneron said he “deeply appreciated” the message of condolence and pledged to work together for peace.

“It is a particular consolation to me that your message underscores the character of Father’s death as a witness to his faith in Jesus Christ,” Archbishop Vigneron wrote to Imam Elahi. “On behalf of all the Catholics of the Archdiocese I express my gratitude not only for your message but also for all the efforts you and your community make to work for that peace which is the fruit of the justice which God wills for us. Let us be resolved anew to be a light that illumines the path for all of us to walk together in harmony and mutual respect. We look forward to the day when with God’s help the darkness of violence and terror will be banished from the world he created.”