Christchurch Massacre: A call for love and solidarity

Dear FWCC family,
 
On Friday afternoon, March 15, 2019, in Christchurch, New Zealand, white supremacists opened fire in multiple mass shootings at two mosques.  As of today, we know that 49 people were killed and more than 20 are seriously injured.  Our hearts are broken, and our spirits are shaken at the horror of this senseless act of violence, in a sacred space of worship.
 
At the same time, it was Thursday evening at Fort Washington Collegiate Church when we were gathered together engaging in a courageous and sacred conversation on race. Now more than ever, we need to continue to speak against hate and intolerance. We are a church with #Loveonthemove!
 
Fort Washington Collegiate Church unites with our sister churches and ministries of The Collegiate Churches of New York, and categorically condemns the horrific shootings at the Friday prayer services.
 
Hate based on religion, race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation has no place in our world, our nation or our city.  
 
We mourn for and support the people of New Zealand and Muslim people around the world in their time of grief, as the toxic mix of hate and gun violence that has plagued the United States has now ravaged yet another corner of the world.
 
What can you do?

1. Now is the time for worldwide solidarity. Send a message of love & solidarity to the Muslim families of Christchurch here.

2. Pledge to fight white nationalism. Donate to victims here.

3. Spread the word. #ChristchurchMosqueAttack

4. Call, Text or email a friend who is Muslim or Sikh—let them know they are loved and you stand with them. Find ways to show your solidarity.

5. Pray.

Finally, in the words of the famous hymn “May they know we are Christians by our love.”

Familia, sending you love and light on this darkest of days.

Paz y Amor,
Rev. Damaris D. Whittaker