This is a time that will define us, our local communities, our nation and our global interconnecting of nations. We have seen once again, too vividly and too cruelly, the face of hate and bigotry — the insinuations of religious faith discrimination that sear and divide. We must therefore respond as a people with a sense of unity of resolve and present an ethos of solidarity that offers hope through an alternative vision of a world community that fosters hope and the prospect of peace, shalom and salaam.
We cannot ignore the contrast in reactions to violence that exists in our society. That separation of views came into clarity almost a year ago on June 17, 2015, in Charleston, S.C., when people of faith demonstrated to the world community that love is more abiding and healing than revenge and retribution. That dynamic witness has empowered many new and stronger relationships between African American faith communities and all other faith groups. In a similar fashion, the LGBTQ community and the Muslim communities are responding in positive healing signs to encourage reconciliation and a deserved national grieving to mourn the loss of life and the divisive spirit that has infected our nation and world. The mutual goal is to create deep and lasting values and actions that nurtures trust and friendship for mutual support and upbuilding of relationships.
The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy lifts up a vision that underscores this belief: A world where people of all faiths cooperate to create compassionate communities that are just, peaceful, equitable and sustainable.
The Orlando massacre at the Pulse Club can bring out the best or the worst in us. Let us resolve to work in unity for that which builds and unites communities of faith and diversity of race, gender and nationality and weaves a spirit of solidarity into the fabric of a shared community of love, peace and fairness for all God’s children. We must recognize the evil that destroys and affirm the positive spirit that creates and unifies us.
Many statements have come forth in recent days denouncing the brutality and the carnage wrought from a person whose mind was not right, whose heart was bent wrongly toward others and whose actions have been embraced by some who are intent to destroy the world community. Yet, arising from these ashes of pain come words from the ADAMS Center that speak for all of us:
The response to hate must be love.
The response to violence must be peace, born of solidarity.
The response to loss must be grief followed by hope — hope of a more noble and generous world that we can build together.
Indeed, we grieve. Yet, we also must yearn for hope, healing, reconciliation and a stronger community of solidarity — built upon positive values for the welfare of all God’s children. May we together make it so!
June 13, 2016
The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy,
Virginia Consumer Voices for Healthcare
Family members wait for word from police after arriving down the street from a shooting involving multiple fatalities at Pulse Orlando nightclub in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)