Remembrance and interfaith service for Muslims is tonight

A community remembrance in memory of Muslims killed in mass shootings at two New Zealand mosques will unfold in an interfaith service at 5 p.m. today at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus.

The gathering, “One Community, One World” has been planned by the Islamic Society of Columbus Indiana with help from several interfaith partners, according to organizers.

“We definitely want to remember the fallen in New Zealand,” said Hanna Omar, spokesperson for the local Islamic society. “And secondly, we want to focus upon and celebrate our unity (among faiths).”

At least 49 people were shot to death during midday prayers Friday at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, most if not all of them gunned down by an immigrant-hating white supremacist who is believed to have used a helmet-mounted camera to broadcast live video of the slaughter on social media, the The Associated Press reported. One man was arrested and charged with murder while two other armed suspects were taken into custody, according to news reports.

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The shooting incidents were described as the deadliest in modern New Zealand history, and described as a terrorist attack by new Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

Omar has been among a number of local faith leaders who have spoken regularly in recent years about the need for people of differing beliefs to come together and share common ground even while “celebrating differences,” as she has put it. She has been a very visible member among local Islamic believers sharing the background of her faith at public forums.

On Saturday afternoon, she was finalizing speakers for today’s service expected to include Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Unitarians and others. Organizers also hope to have Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop or a representative from his office on hand.

Nic Cable, minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus, sees the service as one way to strengthen local interfaith ties.

“We must mourn and grieve the deaths of our beloved siblings on earth,” Cable said. “But let us also take actions to build beloved interfaith communities where hope and courage, where love and justice, are its pillars.”

A similar, local, candle-lighting service was held on Nov. 1 for people killed in a shooting at a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. More than 200 people — Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and others — filled the Unitarian church and shared public prayers and words of sorrow, comfort, healing and hope.

At that service, Mary Ferdon, executive director of administration and community development for the city of Columbus, assured those in attendance that community leaders would protect the religious freedom of all to worship as they choose.

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What: "One Community, One World," a memorial service for Muslims killed in shootings in New Zealand mosques on Friday

When: 5 p.m. today

Where: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus, 7850 Goeller Blvd.

Information: Facebook page for the Islamic Society of Columbus Indiana

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