Canadian Churches Express Solidarity With Quebec Mosque Attack Victims
Church leaders across Canada are expressing their condolences and support for the victims of a mosque shooting that resulted in six deaths.
A gunman went to the Islamic Cultural Center of Quebec on Sunday evening during prayers and opened fire, resulting in six deaths and multiple injuries.
Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, released a statement on Monday noting that his heart "goes out to all Muslims across Canada as they struggle with this terrible attack."
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"We hold in our prayers those who have died, for their families and for their imams who care for them in their grief," stated Archbishop Hiltz.
"At moments like this, people of faith must stand together in solidarity for those values common to our respective religious traditions: the adoration of God, the respect we owe one another as fellow human beings, and the care with which we tend the earth, our common home."
Leadership from the Anglican Diocese of Quebec also expressed their condolences and encouraged members to attend the many vigils being offered in support of the mosque.
"We encourage the Anglicans of our dioceses to participate in these public expressions of solidarity, and others which will take place in the days ahead," stated the diocesan leaders.
"In participating in such gatherings we can give expression in a small but meaningful way to the fourth Mark of Mission, which calls us to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation."
Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix of Quebec City stated that the mass shooting at the mosque "touches us all" and runs contrary to the values of the Catholic Church and Quebec society.
"The people of Quebec have always been recognized as a people who want to live in peace and respect," stated Cardinal Lacroix.
"We will respond to these hateful acts through our solidarity and pledge ourselves to continue building a society where social peace and respect for all cultures guide our daily lives."
Soon after the mass shooting took place, police arrested and charged 27-year-old Alexandre Bissonnette with six counts of first-degree murder and five counts of attempted murder.
"Mr. Bissonnette's court appearance lasted less than two minutes. Clad in a prison jumpsuit and wearing handcuffs, the slight man kept his eyes downcast and fidgeted nervously but did not look at the crowd," reported The Globe and Mail.
"Bissonnette was known in the city's activist circles as an Internet troll who frequently took anti-refugee and anti-feminist positions and stood up for U.S. President Donald Trump."
