Joint Statement by the Orange County Faith Leaders

 

We are deeply shocked and saddened by this weekend’s deadly attacks on our fellow New Yorkers. 

We, the Interfaith community of Orange County are united in vehemently condemning these attacks that violate the fundamental principles of our respective faith traditions. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and we thank law enforcement personnel and the first responders whose call to duty is commendable. 

As a global and diverse community, we cherish our diversity. These horrific acts are not an isolated incident, rather the menace unleashed by perpetrators of evil around the world.  The threat of extremism is real but we also know that it knows no boundaries of race, religion, and ethnicity. Therefore, as events are unfolding, we must not allow hate or fear to divide us. We must take this time to build a more united, forceful, and resilient front against such attacks. 

We urge the residents of Orange County to unite in love and prayers, and join us as we pledge to refrain from stereotyping and finger pointing. Let’s come together in peace, love, and let fear and hate find no home in our hearts. 

Peace to the world and our beautiful homeland!

Interfaith Leaders of Orange County

Anila Ali

President and Board 

American Muslim Women's Empowerment Council 

 

Islamic Center of Irvine ICOI

2 Truman, Irvine 

 

Rev. Dr. Paul Tellström,

Senior Minister,

Irvine United Congregational Church

 

Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini           

President, Shia Muslim Council of Southern California

 

Susan Seely

Associate Director

Olive Tree Initiative at UCI

 

Laura Ava Tesimale

One Global Family Foundation 

Councils of Interfaith & Indigenous Women-Youth

 

Rev. Dr. Peggy Price

Ambassador Adviser

Parliament of the World's Religions

Minister Emeritus

Seal Beach Center for Spiritual Living

 

Milia Islam- Majeed

Executive Director of the South Coast Interfaith Council (SCIC) 

 

Rev. Dr. William Aulenbach, 

Episcopal priest, retired

 

Rini Ghosh Phd.

Vedanta International Cultural Center

 

DebrahDayaFriedland van Zyl and Andre 

All Paths Divinity School

 

Islamic Society of Orange County 

DrMuzammil Siddiqui

 

Sande Harte and SARAH Sisters

SARAH4Hope 

 

Rabbi Marcia Tilchin

JCoOC

Jewish Collaborative of Orange County