At the Neighbourhood Church we have been fortunate to form a bond with a very special Muslim family that we sponsored to come to Canada. As a result of our sponsorship, many of us have also become quite connected to many other people from the local Muslim community. We know that in much of the world Muslim and Christian are divided. This makes us all the more proud of the friendship, love, and respect that Christians and Muslims enjoy in Nanaimo.
In light of the recent attack in Quebec that claimed the lives of 6 Muslim people during evening prayer, we want to express our deepest sympathy to our Muslim friends. To the Muslims of Nanaimo and Canada: we are praying for you and we mourn with you.
As followers of Jesus we are committed to the great command to love our neighbour as ourselves. For us part of loving our neighbour means both showing kindness as well as condemning Islamophobia with the same vigor and passion that all fear and hatred must be confronted with. To our congregants, fellow believers, and any other readers of this message we have a simple encouragement: show love, befriend your Muslim neighbours, and continue to be educated. This message we hope will spark good dialogue about how we can better love one another. If you would like to have a conversation with any of the staff at the church please be in touch.
May the peace of Christ be with you!