The slaughter of innocent Muslims at Friday prayers in Christchurch last week is a horror which can only be condemned outright as the poisonous fruit of Islamophobia, specifically, and hatred against humans who apparently in their person challenge norms that white nationalists and other fanatics uphold, in general.

People of partisan Conservative views and political inclinations need to condemn this particularly ugly manifestation of evil and call for an end to the vocal and violent marginalization of racialized and religious minorities. Not doing so makes them complicit in creating a context which appears to give credence to and (im)moral support for these abusers of human rights.

Flirting with vitriolic white nationalists for partisan gain is an abdication of the oath of allegiance parliamentarians swear to work in the best interests of Canada. Do Mr. Scheer and M. Bernier, etc. really need to be reminded?

Christian leaders in Canada and other countries where people of European and Christian heritages are in the majority or have most influence (currently) also need to express, publicly and clearly, their abhorrence of the phobic words and actions, explicit in a small minority, but implicit in more subtle ways in cultural, political, economic, and social patterns of our society.

Positively, all are called to cherish diversity (as a gift of the Creator), to foster unity (because there really is only one global human family), and pursue vigorously and consistently peace rooted in justice for all.

One solace that has come from the Quebec and Christchurch massacres is the amazing expressions of solidarity and compassionate calls for respect by so many Canadians. These quickly need to be followed up by more opportunities for respectful dialogue, sharing of experiences, and festive occasions of eating and drinking where difference are understood and appreciated.

In Toronto's Etobicoke and Mississauga, faith leaders have organized InterFaithFests in 2017, 2018, and on April 14th, 2019 where this hopeful sharing can happen. Happily this reaching out beyond our familiar communities is happening across the country and around the world. In the face of evil attacks, these and similar gatherings proclaim: we will not be intimidated or blocked from creating community. It is a divinely blessed mission to let respect and love abound.

Each of us and all of us together have roles to play in this cause for the well-being of the human family.