Local interfaith groups, in two separate statements, have condemned the mass shootings in San Bernardino, Paris, and Charleston, S.C. and pledged to work together.
Soon after the shootings, Amjad Taufique posted a message on his Facebook page, condemning the violence and warning about Islamophobia.
Additionally, he sent a statement, endorsed by 14 masjids, churches and synagogues, urging a “call for action for people of all faiths to speak with one voice against these senseless acts, and to draw attention to the sanctity of life which every faith tradition emphasizes, including Islam.”
The statement goes on to say that the attackers “appear to, or in their own perverse way believe that they do this in the name of a religion, their actions do not represent any faith tradition. Although a prompt rush to judgment is tempting, these violent events threaten not just those they immediately target but make each of us a victim of mistrust and prejudice which sap the strength of our society and our great nation, and we fear, will beget more hatred and the violence which follows. All people of faith who have affixed their names to this statement condemn the violence … in San Bernardino, California and in Savannah, Georgia; in Colorado Springs, Colorado; in Charleston, South Carolina and Paris, France and elsewhere around the world."
It’s important to note that they also included instances of domestic terrorism and mass shootings in Savannah, Ga. at an abortion clinic and in Charleston, S.C., where nine people were gunned down in a church.
“We pray that the hearts of those who perpetrate such violence will be changed. We join those who work for peace. We grieve with the communities which fell victims to this violence and with the families and friends who lost dear ones. When violence takes one of us, we are all wounded,” said the statement, which was endorsed by several groups including the East Cobb Islamic Center in Marietta; the West Cobb Islamic Center – Masjid Al-Furqan in Marietta; Pilgrimage United Church of Christ in Marietta; and Temple Kol Emeth.
A separate statement was also issued by the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta and six other faith organizations across Georgia.
“When we hear about so many mass shootings it brings great fear and our tendency is to immediately place blame,” the statement said. “The rush to identify the enemy can help us feel momentarily in control of these unpredictable and horrific events. But the current trend of blaming immigrant populations will only breed more hatred and violence,” the joint statement said.
“As leaders of Atlanta’s interfaith community we offer our prayers to all the people affected by yesterday’s horrific shootings in San Bernardino, Calif., and in Savannah, Ga. We grieve with the families and loved ones of those who perished and we offer the hope for complete recovery of the injured.
“In times like these, we seek healing and strength through prayer. But our prayers must lead us to action. As a country steeped in diverse faith traditions, all of which believe in the sanctity of human life, we must address the alarming number of mass shootings and the seemingly endless stories of gun violence. We must work harder to create a society that deplores violence and seeks peaceful ways to solve conflicts.
“Through this joint statement, we are committed to redoubling our efforts to erase bigotry, to provide opportunities for dialogue and engagement, and to be models of reconciliation and understanding.”
The statement was issued by the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta, the Interfaith Community Initiatives, the Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta, Neshama Interfaith Center, the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta the Anti-Defamation League of Atlanta and Compassionate Atlanta.
