Assembly of Bishops reacts to Thousand Oaks, CA shooting
The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America released a statement condemning the “heinous and murderous shooting” that claimed the lives of 12 innocent victims in Thousand Oaks, CA on Wednesday evening, November 7, 2018.
“Deeply saddened and profoundly concerned, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America condemns the heinous and murderous shooting at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, California,” the statement reads. “Regrettably, it has become all too common for peace to be broken by bloodshed.”
The statement continues by recalling how “nearly one year ago, after the horrific shooting in Las Vegas, we stated, ‘we witness one more egregious act of hatred and terror. Unfortunately, such sights have become all too familiar in our society; they are the antithesis of love and the worst example for our children of what mankind can be. We are called to rise up in witness of a love that conquers fear and hatred, and to bear witness before society and all civil authorities of the need to eliminate violence.’ We are distraught that today the opposite is manifest, and, in this case, even some of the same people were re-victimized.
“We fervently pray for the victims and their families during this time of sudden and unfathomable pain and loss,” the statement concludes. “We sympathize and stand in solidarity with the survivors for the healing of both soul and body. As we mourn the loss of innocent lives, we must all work together to transform our broken society. It is time we allow love to overcome hate and light to outshine darkness. Only then will these countless and continuously occurring acts of violence cease and peace prevail.”
In related news, the Assembly of Bishops also issued a statement denouncing the October 27 shooting that took the lives of 11 worshipers at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue. The statement may be accessed on the Assembly’s website.