For Immediate Release: March 15, 2019

Contact: Erin Williams,  ewilliams@faithinaction.org  202-748-0699 or Heather Cabral,  heather@westendstrategy.org, 202-550-6880

WASHINGTON —In wake of the terrorist attacks at mosques in New Zealand that left 49 people dead and at least 20 seriously injured, the Rev. Alvin Herring, executive director of Faith in Action, issued the following statement:

“My heart is broken knowing that our Muslim brothers and sisters perished at a place and time where they should have been safe and at peace and we condemn the hatred and anti-Muslim Islamophobia of those who perpetrated this senseless and heinous act.

“Following this tragedy, it is important for all people of faith to know that places of worship are still sacred and protected. Even in the face of hate, will stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters and offer refuge in our shared space of solidarity. We will not stop practicing and worshipping. Instead we’ll root ourselves in our committed to living in and being a part of a Beloved Community.

“Deuteronomy 31:6 says ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.’ And so strong and courageous in the face of Islamophobia and hatred we will be.”

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Faith in Action, formerly known as PICO National Network, is the largest grassroots, faith-based organizing network in the United States. The nonpartisan organization works with 1,000 religious congregations in more than 200 cities and towns through its 46 local and state federations. For more information, visit www.faithinaction.org.

Faith in Action is a 501c(3). Faith in Action and its affiliates are non-partisan and are not aligned explicitly or implicitly with any candidate or party. We do not endorse or support candidates for office.