No place for hatred, prejudice, killing and violence…
Recently, there was a violent attack on a Canadian Muslim family in London, Ontario and it has devastated our congregation of Hopedale Presbyterian Church. The tragic loss of family members is both heart wrenching and devastating. There is no place in our society for hatred, prejudice, killing and violence of any kind. God’s word clearly calls us to love, bringing peace and hope to all. God accepts and loves everyone and as God’s people, we must reflect God’s love to the world around us.
We are grieved over this act of violence. We do not understand it. We do not support this act or any act of prejudice, hatred and violence against any human. How do we comprehend such senseless and ruthless act? We can’t! We must stand together as a community against such acts of hate to show the world that we speak against it and will not tolerate any violence against anyone regardless of faith, religion, colour or race. We say publicly, that we love the world and we love one another!
It is important that we stand firmly together against prejudice for all humankind. We must work towards making this world a better place for all. We at Hopedale Presbyterian Church open our arms widely to welcome and embrace everyone. We are here to support and help those who are in need; who are mourning; and who need refuge from harsh and cruel acts. Hopedale Presbyterian Church is a safe place for all people.
We join in praying for the four who died in this violent act and for their family and all Canadians as we grieve. We also pray for the 9-year-old boy who has lost his parents, sister and grandmother. This painful reality will be difficult to bear. Our hearts are shattered with this young boy at this tragic act.
Hold on to these scriptures as you pray for the family, the community and each other as we grief. Pray for the community of London, Ontario and all communities that experience hatred and prejudice in any form. We must stand together and let our society and world know it will not be tolerated.
Romans 12:9-10
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.
Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
I Corinthians 13:13
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Mark 12:30-40
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”