Catholic and Anglican Bishops, CACG Reiterate Call to Vote for the Common Good, Considering Impact of October 18th Referendum on Vulnerable Immigrants
[Excerpts from City News below]
Faith leaders across Calgary are standing in solidarity with a local Islamic school after it was among nine schools across Canada targeted by a threatening email containing violent anti-Muslim rhetoric.
The threatening email, sent two weeks ago to schools operated by the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC), included threats to kill Muslims, including children, called for armed violence against Muslim communities and warned Muslims to leave Canada.
The email, obtained by CityNews, also contained racist and dehumanizing language. “It makes you feel that your safety is under attack,” said Mazen Jichi, director of MAC Islamic School in Calgary.
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In response, Calgary [Alliance for the Common Good] faith leaders gathered at the school to show support for students, staff and families, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity in the face of hate.
“I think students need to know that they are not alone in this and that there is a wider community that holds them and thinks that they are valuable members of our community,” said Rev. Samaya Oakley, minister with Calgary Unitarians.
“There are people who hold you and love and care and are with you in solidarity.”
Students at the school say the show of support has helped ease fears.
“That email has some threats on it but as a community we stand together, and I feel safe in my community thankfully,” said Grade 9 student Sarah Ragub.
[Photos provided by Calgary Alliance for the Common Good]
Calgary Faith Leaders Rally Around Islamic School After Violent Threat, City News [video]
Threatening Emails to Islamic School Fuels Faith Leaders' Rally, CTV Morning News [video]
Calgary Faith Leaders Stand with Muslim Community Following Emailed Threats, CTV News
Calgary Faith Leaders Rally Around Islamic School After Violent Threat, City News
Catholic, Anglican bishops Urge Albertans to Consider Referendum's Impact on Vulnerable, Global News
Alberta Catholic Bishops Urge Faithful to Consider Impact of Referendum on Vulnerable, CBC
Faith Leaders Speak Out On Alberta's Upcoming Referendum, City News [video]
Alberta Catholic Bishops Urge Faithful to Consider Impact of Referendum on Vulnerable, City News
Faith Leaders Speak Out on Alberta's Referendum, Calgary Alliance for the Common Good
