New York City’s Commission of Religious Leaders (CORL) issued a statement condemning the May 19 shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Archbishop Elpidophoros of America is a cosignatory, alongside CORL Chair Archbishop Ronald Hicks; President Rev. Dr. A.R. Bernard, Sr.; Vice President Rabbi Joseph Potasnik; and other CORL members.
“We, leaders and members of diverse faith communities, stand together as one to condemn the horrific acts of violence against the Muslim community in San Diego,” the statement reads. “On May 19th, the Islamic Center of San Diego, which is home to the largest mosque in San Diego County, as well as the Al Rashid School, was attacked. We grieve with the victims’ families and stand in solidarity with all who have been impacted by this horrific act of violence.”
“Tragedies of this nature have become all too frequent in our country as hate-filled rage spurs attacks on our houses of worship and our schools. Violence fueled by any form of religious or ethnic hatred is an assault on all of us. Hatred directed at any people violates the sacred teaching of all our faith traditions and our shared humanity. Individuals entering a house of worship and students attending schools should not have to fear for their lives anywhere in our country, nor anywhere on earth,” the statement continues.
“We mourn the lives that were lost and pray for recovery of the injured,” the statement concludes. “We stand together, with our faith traditions helping us to find healing and move forward as one.”
