Fort Wayne, Indiana sends its love Below is a letter written by faith leaders in the Fort Wayne community in a show of interfaith solidarity against hate and bigotry. Short, succinct and to the point. The signatories are listed at the end in alphabetical order. We also had a great turn out and many prayers tonight. May God bless you and your families. #ourthreewinners February 17, 2015 We mourn with great sadness the senseless murders of Deah Shaddy Barakat, his wife Yusor Mohammad, and her sister, Razan Mohammead Abu-Salha, whose lives were taken from this earth in what appears to be a hate crime. As religious leaders, as Americans, as neighbors and colleagues, we are alarmed that a neighbor would do this and in cold blood. Our hearts ache as we pray for these young victims, their families, and for all who love them. We pray for the healing of their community and renew our commitment to interfaith solidarity as we strive to create a world where such acts have no place. Our variety of faith traditions unite in the teachings that God is love, God is mercy, God is compassion and to use such divine love to respect one another, to promote kindness and love. We stand together in opposition to acts and attitudes of hatred wherever they occur. We stand in solidarity with all who are victims of hate crimes and other discriminatory and intolerant behaviors intended to harm or diminish the personhood of another. Given the circumstances of this most recent tragedy, it is especially important that our Muslim siblings know they are respected, valued and appreciated in our community. As we lead our congregations and help our communities navigate this hateful ugliness that too often rears its head in our country, we vow to pray more, to reflect more, to sing more, and to speak words that nourish our tired souls. Together we will fall to our knees, clasp hands, and walk more tenderly upon Mother Earth in order to feel and embody the grief of our world. We will not be silent in the face of injustice. We will not stand idly when any of our neighbors are targeted in acts of persecution and violence. United on the principles of love, mercy and compassion, we will live for what is humane and just for all people in this community and throughout the world. Signatories (in alphabetical order) Ahmed Abdelmageed, Pharm D Muslim Alliance of Indiana Imam Nuhu Abdulai Muslim Resident Scholar Universal Education Foundation Rev. Dr. Terry Anderson Executive Director Just Neighbors Interfaith Homeless Network Rabbi Javier E. Cattapan Congregation Achduth Vesholom Bhante Devenanda Indiana Buddhist Temple Rev Dr Gary M Erdos Trinity English Lutheran Church Rev. Brian Flory Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren Rev. John P. Gardner Plymouth Congregational Church of Fort Wayne, UCC Dr. Carl Jylland-Halverson Ambassador for Council for the Parliament of the World’s Religions Rev. Thomas P. Hansen Trinity Episcopal Church Rev. Fred Hasecke, Pastor Emeritus of Trinity English Lutheran Church Sister M. Anita Holzmer, OSF Assistant Vice President for Mission Integration University of Saint Francis Rev. Kimberly Koczan Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren Rabbi Mitchell Kornspan Congregation B'nai Jacob Rev. Arianne Lehn and Rev. Jeff Lehn First Presbyterian Church. Venerable Matugama Mahanama, Spiritual Director Rev. Ruth E. Phillips, Plymouth Congregational Church, UCC Dr. Gohar Salam Universal Education Foundation President Rev. Misty-Dawn Shelly Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fort Wayne Ferril M. Sorenson II Fort Wayne Stake President Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints L. Michael Spath, DMin, PhD Executive Director Indiana Center for Middle East Peace Lori Way Volunteer advocate The Sikh Coalition
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October 2023
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