A statement by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger of the Diocese of Albany regarding the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh earlier today:
“The gruesome attack on families celebrating the life of a newborn at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh this morning was a despicable act of anti-Semitism and of violence against the sanctity of all human life. We pray for our Jewish brothers and sisters as they pick up the pieces of their shattered community in the aftermath of this hate-driven crime. We pray, too, for those whose lives were cut short, for those who lost loved ones, and for those who put themselves in danger in an effort to protect others. We will continue to be a force for good, replacing hatred with love, evil with goodness, and curses with blessings. Our faith in a loving God who created us all reminds us that we belong to each other as members of one human family. Summoned by a God who loves each one of us personally and unconditionally, we will not let hate win.”
October 27, 2018