MWEG Official Response to the Tragedy at the Islamic Center of San Diego

On Monday, people at the Islamic Center of San Diego were attacked in their place of worship. We are troubled to see another instance of targeted violence and brutality directed at people of faith.

We condemn violence in all forms. We mourn with our Muslim brothers and sisters who are grieving the loss of life and the loss of safety.

The founders of our nation guaranteed the government would uphold the free exercise of religion. However, religious liberty can only exist in a society that is not just willing and able to tolerate diversity and pluralism in their communities but also ensures that people of faith are free to worship without fear.

As we have said previously, fostering mutual tolerance, respect, love, and protection for religious freedoms within a pluralist society is never easy. It takes time and effort and an ongoing dedication to sitting together through differences. But this work is also inextricably linked to peace.

At a moment when peace seems elusive, we reaffirm our foundational belief that peace is not only possible, it is sure. Good people are working toward a better world every day. And so today, as we sit in deep grief, we also look forward with hope for peace. We invite others to strive to be peacemakers with us, to bridge differences, and to learn to live with each other in love.