SiVIC lends its voice to those faith and interfaith groups around the world in condemning the horrific attacks on mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. It is up to all of us to show our support to all of those affected in this terrorist tragedy. For those who wish to take some action, consider going with a group to a mosque to hold space around the building and be a visible supporter of interfaith relations.
Of course, let them know you would like to do this…

And from Fred Fielding, Global Council Trustee, North America Leadership Council member, United Religions Initiative
Greetings of sorrow but hope for peace,
I received this request from Valerie Kaur and the Revolutionary Love Project.  It is a request for support of the victims of the terrorist attack in New Zealand, and for our Muslim and Sikh communities in the U.S. as they worship this weekend.

Please share this with your organizations and communities as soon as possible.  Gathering messages of support in these first hours can help bring a sense of comfort as communities gather.

We can show that where one or two people bring violence and hatred, thousands upon thousands bring love and peace.

Thank you,

Northern and Southern California have been ravaged by wildfires and many of us want to help. Here are some of the places where you can donate directly to help those in need:

Embrace Relief 

American Red Cross – Choose California Wildfires from the I Want to Support pull down list

California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund

Enloe Medical Center (near the Camp Fire and acting as the site for multiple evacuation centers)

The Humane Society of Ventura County

Our hearts are broken at the destruction and the loss of life from these fires. We thank all those who have put their lives in harm’s way to fight the fires, rescue those in peril, and tend those who have been hurt and have lost all their possessions. SiVIC sends our prayers and condolences to all affected.

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