| DIOCESE NEWS |
1600-01(Bishop)
6 June 2006
Pastoral Letter in support of our Islamic Brothers and Sisters
Dear Friends,
I suspect I was as shocked as you were , to hear over the weekend, of the large
numbers of arrests relating to alleged possible acts of terrorism. Planning and
preparation for such violent behaviour by any party is to be roundly condemned by all
of us. Indeed on Wednesday I received information from a Moslem colleague that
leaders of the Islamic community throughout Canada issued a condemnation of such
action on June 3rd 2006. Within the diocese we have excellent relations with our
Moslem brothers and sisters.
I believe we need to ensure that we, as Anglicans, are not guilty of wielding a broad
brush and attributing the violent motives of those arrested to the tenets of Islam.
Those arrested are no more representative of the peaceful teachings of Islam than
proponents of terror in Ireland and the United Kingdom represented the teaching of
the Anglican or Roman Catholic Churches .
I want you and your parishioners to know that I stand firmly with our Moslem brothers
and sisters in the area in condemning both potential acts of terror from whatever
source they may come and also those who would seek to defame law abiding citizens of
this country who are faithful to the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed.
Yours in Christ,
The Rt Rev George Bruce
Bishop of Ontario
| TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH BRADFORD |