New Zealand Bishops call to
peace a year after Christchurch shootings
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| Candles at Christchurch shooting memorial site (AFP) |
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops' Committee for Interfaith
Relations issues a letter promoting interreligious harmony as they reflect on
the first anniversary of the Christchurch shootings.
By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ
A year after subsequent shootings in two mosques in
Christchurch, New Zealand Catholic Bishops' Committee for Interfaith Relations
has issued a letter of hope with a call for peace to all the parishes in the
country. It was released on 12 March, just prior to the 15 March 2019
anniversary.
Recognizing the shared value of shalom and salaam in
all Abrahamic religions, the Bishops stressed the importance of concentrating
efforts towards harmony and prayer.
“If we allow it, the call to peace divides and draws not
only our thoughts and actions towards non-violence, but also our hearts and
prayers towards God.”
The Bishops then enjoined the faithful to pray for and with
all Muslims, calling on God “to support us in sharing each other’s burdens, and
to give us strength and courage to stand up against oppression and justice.”
Remembering those left behind
Expressing the desire that such attacks never happen again,
the Bishops confirmed their closeness to the widows, children and relatives of
the victims of the violent attack, praying that the “desire to reach out with
love and compassion may remain part of all people’s daily lives.”
Friendship despite differences
In a gesture of unity and fellowship, the Bishops’ statement
reaffirmed the Church’s bond with the Muslim community.
“‘You are our friend.’ We do not need to be the same, we can
be incredibly diverse – whether through religion, language, origin or body –
but we are called to live as brothers and sisters. Difference is not a barrier,
it is how we are made and we are made in the image of God.”
Christchurch shooting
On 15 March 2019, a gunman opened fire on men, women and
children in two mosques leaving at least 50 dead and several others wounded.
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