Statement on the shooting in a Quebec City Mosque

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2017
Contact: Aimee Thunburg, [email protected]

Statement from Auburn Seminary President the Rev. Dr. Katharine Rhodes Henderson on the shooting in a Quebec City Mosque

Calls faith leaders to stand against Islamophobia

NEW YORK — Yesterday, two people opened fire at the Islamic Cultural Center of Quebec in Quebec City, Canada, during evening prayers. Six people were killed and eight were wounded. Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has described the attack as an act of terrorism. Auburn Seminary President the Rev. Dr. Katharine Rhodes Henderson released the following statement in response:

“Today, we mourn with all those touched by this horrific act of hatred in Quebec City. Auburn Seminary offers our prayers and our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those slain and the entire nation of Canada.

“The real and devastating rise of Islamophobia is an affront to people everywhere and calls each of us into leadership. We must be vigilant against those who wish to divide our families, communities and societies, whether that is through hateful rhetoric, violence, or unjust laws that scare and intimidate the masses.

Unfortunately, the provocative language and discriminatory executive action out of the White House, coupled with the inexcusable silence on attacks on Muslims both in the United States and Canada have only fueled this violence.  I call upon President Trump to immediately condemn all anti-Muslim violence and to rescind the executive order aimed at Muslim refugees and immigrants.

“People around the globe must redouble our efforts to stand against hate and prejudice wherever it manifests as we strive to build the world for which we long – one in which all can flourish.”

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