Several prominent national American Muslim groups today expressed their "deepest sorrow" at the brutal killing of 16 worshipers at St. Dominic's Roman Catholic Church in Pakistan on Sunday. In a joint statement, the groups wrote: "We extend heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. We are greatly distressed that some lawless elements have violated the sanctity of a place of worship and the rights of minorities in Pakistan. Freedom of worship is a basic right in Islam, and protection of religious minorities and houses of worship is a fundamental obligation of Muslim governments. We support the government of Pakistan in its stated commitment to apprehend the criminals and punish them according to the law." The statement was sponsored by: American Muslim Council Council on American-Islamic Relations Islamic Circle of North America Islamic Society of North America