Religious leaders in Bradford West Gwillimbury are hosting a vigil this Saturday to honour the victims of a terrorist attack against Muslims who were praying in mosques in Christchurch, N.Z. last week.
“As the horror of the events at Christchurch sink in, many, I know, have reflected long and hard on how best to say no to this darkness,” said Bradford United Church Rev. Jim Keenan. “We need to pray together, I believe, to express our sorrow and solidarity for the Muslim women and men who were murdered as they gathered to pray and worship God last week.”
Keenan said he consulted with Muslim and Christian leaders before planning a vigil, which will be held March 23 at noon at the Bradford legion, 115 Back St.
It will include speakers from different religious communities, as well as comments from civic leaders, prayers, and readings.
“With the diversity (of) our community, all people of goodwill should feel some responsibility to reassure our Muslim neighbours that our area is a safe place for them, and that white supremacist thought or action has no place here,” Keenan said.
Several other community leaders have spoken out against the terrorist attack, including BWG council, which started its Tuesday evening meeting by standing for a moment of silence.
“If we all stand, who are able, and have a moment of silence in contemplation of this tragedy, and to show our thoughts and prayers are with the Muslim community and all those affected by this tragedy,” BWG Mayor Rob Keffer said.
“We have to condemn (the) hate and racism that led to this tragedy.”
