Solidarity after Christchurch
Deacon Tony Hoban with Imam Kauser
St Luke’s Catholic Faith Community welcomed members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community on Sunday as a show of solidarity after the Christchurch tragedy.
Imam Kauser, the National President of the Community and Imam Imtiaz of the local Baitul Huda Mosque in Marsden Park attended 10am Mass, with Imam Kauser speaking to the community after Communion.
Imam Kauser spoke of the need at a time like this for people of faith to be united. He quoted Jesus’ saying that we must love even our enemies.
Pastoral Director, Deacon Tony, warmly welcomed the visitors and expressed the prayer and solidarity of the St Luke’s Community with Muslims who are suffering due to the tragedy, and for the people of New Zealand.
On Sunday afternoon a prayer vigil was held at the Baitul Huda Mosque and Deacon Tony was one of a number of people invited to speak.
He said: “I bring a message of peace, love and respect at this most challenging time to you from our local Catholic community.”
He also read a statement by Bishop Vincent Long, Bishop of Parramatta, offering “my prayers on behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta to the deceased, the injured and to all the individuals and communities who have been affected by this senseless violence.”
Deacon Tony with Imam Kauser on his right and Imam Imtiaz on his left, along with other members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Imam Kauser addresses the St Luke’s Community.