News Release

June 23rd, 2015-Promoting Peace and Religious Inclusion

During the early morning hours of June 16th, significant damage was done to the Markaz Ul Islam Mosque, Fort McMurray. This senseless attack is not representative of our peaceful community and has saddened community leaders.

All of us are connected as members of the human family, as part of the life system of this planet and what affects one of us affects all. When actions of violence or hate are carried out against one particular community, they increase the potential of fear and isolation in the greater community. Taking a stand against violence and hatred seeks to cast out fear; standing together in peaceful condemnation of violence and hatred disperses isolation and draws us together in unity.

Collaboration for Religious inclusion (CRI) was formed to showcase unity, with many individuals from different faith groups coming together as one voice standing up for Religious Inclusion. Exclusive rhetoric and hateful violence at home and abroad, from secular and religious sources, must be met with a strong voice for religious inclusion. CRI intends to be that voice for Fort McMurray. As CRI we declare that an attack on a particular community is an attack on all communities. We stand together, honoring the gifts of our diversity, because we are all connected.

Building peaceful communities and promoting security and religious inclusion is a shared responsibility. As RCMP continues their investigation to find the culprit(s) behind this malicious act, we urge residents to be mindful and report all suspicious behavior. Further we encourage anyone with information about this crime to report it to the RCMP at (780) 788-4000.

For more information about CRI or this news release please contact Wajeehullah Arain at 780-381-3974 or Donalee Williams at 780-880-3771.