COMBATING BIGOTRY & HATE | JUNE 7, 2017

In This Time of Tragedy, Faiths Stand Together

In his speech last year at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the Dalai Lama told the world what he thought of the term “Islamic terrorism.” His words have never been more fitting.

“Buddhist terrorist. Muslim terrorist. That wording is wrong,” he said. “Any person who wants to indulge in violence is no longer a genuine Buddhist or genuine Muslim… All major religious traditions carry the same message: a message of love, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment, self-discipline—all religious traditions.”

“The response to these atrocious incidents by the people of England and their faith leaders has been one of spiritual unity and triumph.”

Evidence of that message abounds today, for as the world mourns the victims of the recent tragic London and Manchester attacks—and as the media exploits the sensation, blood and gore—one story emerges more humane and ennobling than the rest: faiths uniting and supporting each other and their fellow man.

Here are but a few examples:

Sikhs opened their temples to Londoners, offering food and shelter to those affected and gathered by the thousands to hold a moment of silence for the victims and proclaim their unity with the people of Manchester and London.
Scientology Volunteer Ministers were on-site immediately, counseling distressed victims and bystanders and serving exhausted, but grateful police coffee and food on the streets of London.
Over 130 Imams came together to condemn the attackers, refusing to perform funerals for those who murdered in—and so pervert—the name of faith.
And Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi for the United Kingdom, channeled despair into purpose, stating: “After Westminster and Manchester we stood together defiant… We will not be cowed or intimidated nor will we allow our commitment to the values of peace and tolerance to be diminished. In the face of every attack, however devastating, we must continue to cleave ever closer to these values because ultimately they are what will defeat the evil of terror.”

“The response to these atrocious incidents by the people of England and their faith leaders has been one of spiritual unity and triumph,” said International STAND Director Edward Parkin. “It has been a religious response in every sense. I am proud to be an Englishman, proud to be an active member of the faith community and humbled not only by the courage of those who risked their lives and safety to protect the attacked, but by the strength, resilience and fellowship of all concerned. Love always wins over evil in the end.”

Photo by: vipflash / Shutterstock.com

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