Vigil Against Gun Violence Held at Silver Spring Mosque

From Montgomery Community Media:

Faith leaders and local residents gathered Friday at the Muslim Community Center in Silver Spring for a candlelight vigil against gun violence.

In light of the recent tragic shootings in San Bernardino, CA, the Council on American-Islamic Relations partnered with various faith leaders from Maryland to remember the victims and condemn acts of violence.

“As we struggle to make sense of something that defies reason or logic, let us work together towards a solution to prevent another single life lost to gun violence,” said Zainab Chaudry, CAIR Maryland outreach manager.

Fourteen candles were lit at the vigil in honor of the victims of the San Bernardino shooting. There was also a moment of silence and a prayer for victims of mass shootings and their families.

“The one message I want to give to my fellow residents is that of the 100,000 Muslims of Montgomery County, all 100,000 of us are mourning tonight alongside them for the terrible attacks in California,” said Hamza Khan, president of the Muslim Democratic Club of Montgomery.

The event also served as a way for local interfaith leaders and members of the community to speak out against stereotypes to prevent backlash against Muslims.

“I just feel very strongly that it’s a really excellent time to show both solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters,” said David Strauss, member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville, “and also to show support for gun control, which I think is desperately needed.”

Faith leaders emphasized the need to address the bigger issue of violence and not blame specific groups.

“This is not a Muslim problem, this is a problem of violence, which has to be taken very seriously,” said the Rev. Mansfield Kaseman, interfaith community liaison for Montgomery County. “It’s a situation where all of us need to be a part of the solution,” he said.

The Rev. Terri Murphy of the Episcopal Church of Ascension in Silver Spring says that are many ways residents can learn more about other faiths to become a part of a solution. “I think the people in the county can get to know their neighbors,” she said. “Get to know other faith traditions, walk into a mosque, knock on the door, walk into a synagogue, walk into a church, and get to know people,” said Murphy.

To find out more about CAIR you can visit their website. For more information about County interfaith information visit the Montgomery County Faith Community Advisory Council site.

»Photo used with permission of Montgomery Community Media