I leave it to the Rev. Victor H. Kazanjian of URI, who provided a beautiful response to the devastating event in Pittsburgh on October 27, 2018. May peace be with all those affected and all of us who are trying to understand how this keeps happening… Rev. Joy-Ellen Lipsky, SiVIC Board Chair

Our hearts break with the news of the attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, USA. We weep for the families and friends of the victims. And we stand in love and solidarity with our Jewish sisters and brothers in the face of this horrific act of anti-Semitic violence. The United Religions Initiative global community condemns this act of hate. In our Charter we state that “We value voices that respect others, and believe that sharing our values and wisdom can lead us to act for the good of all.” In a climate in which the violence of vitriolic and hate-filled speech is becoming normalized, acts of violence born of prejudice are the direct result of such dehumanizing rhetoric and the division that it creates. Today’s violence reminds us of the urgency of our work to confront prejudice and counter hate, as we create cultures of peace, justice and healing in our communities and in our world. 

In peace…
The Rev. Victor H. Kazanjian Jr.
Executive Director
United Religions Initiative