We of Interfaith Opportunities Network are Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians. Once again we find ourselves confronted with an unspeakably violent tragedy.
Last fall we stood with Jews after the massacre at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. This time it is our Muslim sisters and brothers of New Zealand who are the victims of a murderous attack.
Too many across the globe are spreading messages of fear and hatred toward the “other,” the stranger, those different from themselves. These seeds of hatred move and take root even in welcoming places like New Zealand – or own community. Often these attacks are directed at those gathered in worship from faiths viewed as threats to the attackers’ own faith or identity.
We weep, we mourn, we wring our hands in despair. Where is humanity? Where is hope? Where is God? As people of faith, we know that this is not God’s doing — nor is it the intention of the heart of humanity that binds us all. Why does this happen and is there anything we can do?
There are deep reflections we can enter into. Can we question our own assumptions and internalized feelings of superiority and self-righteousness that we harbor? Can we be bold to notice and challenge racism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, homophobia, and xenophobia when we encounter them? Join us in committing ourselves to this sacred work.
We stand with you, our precious Muslim sisters and brothers who live and work and worship among us. We support you, are connected to you, respect your religious beliefs and practices, and consider you part of “us.” We will not allow hatred or violence to tear us apart or destroy what we share in common. You are not alone.
We held a silent vigil of remembrance for the victims in Christchurch — and of solidarity with the Muslim community here. The vigil was held Friday on Amherst Common, just before weekly Jumu’ah prayers at Hampshire Mosque.
The authors are co-conveners of Interfaith Opportunities Network, an association of 18 congregations and campus ministries in the Amherst area.