In Solidarity

Kamloops Vigil with Jewish Community honouring victims of Tree of Life Synagogue

October 30, 2018; 6:30pm — Western Canadian Theatre Co.

(Read by Jane)

 

A STATEMENT ISSUED BY LUTHERAN PASTOR JANE GINGRICH ON BEHALF OF THE LUTHERAN, ANGLICAN AND UNITED CHURCH CONGREGATIONS

 

Tonight, I am giving voice to the solidarity expressed by the six local church congregations of LUA Kamloops: these are the Lutheran, United, and Anglican churches from around our city:

Hills of Peace Lutheran;

PLURA Hills United;

St. Paul’s Anglican;

Kamloops United;

St. George’s Anglican;

and Mt. Paul United

As local Christian leaders in the Lutheran, United, and Anglican churches, we stand in solidarity with our Jewish neighbors in Kamloops, with Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, and all people who have been shocked by the events of this weekend.

We mourn together, with you, the death of the eleven people who died at the hands of an anti-Semitic and anti-immigrant domestic terrorist.

As faith leaders in this community, we stand against overt forms of anti-Semitism, as well as more subtle and pervasive forms of hate of all kinds that creep into everyday life.

We commit ourselves to continuing to discern new ways forward together.

While we do not have all the answers, we continue to ask the questions:

How can we become instruments of peace?  How do we work toward our mutual thriving?

We pray for continued blessing of the Lord upon our Jewish neighbors as we answer our calling to serve others, as it is written:

“You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18)

 

Thank you.