Dear Ones,
I was deeply saddened by news that two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand were subjected to horrific violence when shooters entered these houses of worship during Friday prayers. Several individuals are in custody and police in Christchurch are still investigating the motivations behind the attack. We don’t have much more information at this point.
While we wait for more information, I would like to reaffirm our support for our Muslim brothers and sisters, and I urge all people of faith to stand together in the face of hatred, bigotry, intolerance, and fear. I want to also say again that events such as this should call us all to a more peaceful walk, and in every step we take and word we speak, be a non violent presence in the world. By this we can truly follow our Savior Jesus, and change the world. Please join me in praying for the safety of the Muslim community, for those who died, for their families who grieve, for our nation and the nations of the world, that we might more clearly see that even with borders, we are one.
Bishop’s Against Gun Violence has liturgical and advocacy resources that you can use, and just this morning, we joined Presiding Bishop Curry at the House of Bishops meeting in Kanuga to offer prayers for those who have lost their lives in Christchurch. CNN has started compiling a list of organizations that are currently accepting donations to support the communities affected by this tragedy. You can links to both the resources and a video of our prayer with Presiding Bishop Curry below. More resources will be added below as they become available.
Blessings,
+Greg
PRESIDING BISHOP CURRY’S PRAYER
DHS OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES
