In the aftermath of the anti-Jewish violence and the killing of members of the Jewish community gathering to light the first candle of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach in Australia, The Presbyterian Church in Canada expresses its sorrow and condolences to the grieving families and community members in a letter from The Rev. Jeffrey Murray, the Moderator of The General Assembly.
The Presbyterian Church in Canada condemns hatred, racism, anti-Judaism, and anything that destroys human dignity and life as sin.
As The Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay of the World Council of Churches writes, these horrific killings undermine “fundamental principles of human dignity, religious freedom, and social cohesion. It is particularly distressing and unacceptable that this incident occurred at the very beginning of Hanukkah, a festival that symbolizes light, faith, and the resilience of a community in the face of adversity. The fact that the attack took place at a moment when people had gathered to honour a tradition deeply rooted in hope and spiritual endurance renders this act even more egregious.”
We cannot stay silent; we must speak out against sin and violence. However, words without action are empty and meaningless. Because of the church’s history of anti-Judaism or its silence when scriptures and hymnody are used to justify violence, the church has an added responsibility to speak, learn, and act. All members of the church are called to work towards extending the reign of God, creating a world that is just and safe for everyone, as we would want for the child of God who was incarnate. This week, congregations and parishioners will reach out to Jewish communities and congregations in acts of solidarity and condolence during this season of hope. In addition, the Rev. Jeffrey Murray has also been in touch with synagogues and Jewish organizations in Canada.
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