Worshipers attend an interfaith vigil near the Islamic Center of San Diego (ICSD) on May 19, in San Diego. Three people were killed, and two suspects are dead after the shooting at San Diego's largest mosque. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images)
Once again, a community is left in agony after a horrific act of violence rooted in hatred and division. The National Council of the Churches of Christ (NCC) stands in grief with those affected by the tragedy in San Diego, Calif., even as we mourn the persistent reality of such violence in communities across our nation.
On Monday, May 18, an attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego left another community in mourning. Muslim leaders have understandably called for increased security, while investigators have identified writings by the suspects that express white supremacist ideologies rooted in hatred toward multiple religions and races. This tragic act was not only an attack on a Muslim community, but on the very principles of religious freedom and coexistence that define our society.
While we believe in the power of prayer and hold these families in ours, NCC insists that prayer must be accompanied by action. As people of faith, we are called to work together so that no community, of any religion or background, is ravaged by violence and hatred. In this moment, we recognize with urgency the power and necessity of interfaith solidarity. When one community is targeted, all people of faith are called to stand together in protection, compassion, and shared witness against hate. In response, we must deepen relationships across faith traditions, build networks of care and mutual support that reject hatred, and affirm the dignity of every person.
NCC calls upon its member communions and the broader community to intensify advocacy for sensible gun reform and stronger support systems to end gun violence. At the same time, we urge congregations of all faiths to come together in both word and action, to show up for one another, to protect one another, and to build lasting partnerships rooted in trust and mutual respect. Interfaith collaboration is not optional in times such as these; it is essential for healing and for preventing future harm.
Read more on NCC's Position on Gun Violence:
