Canadians of every and no religion were shocked and saddened by the shooting that took place in a Quebec City mosque. There has been a strong anti-Muslim sentiment that has only been growing. This shooting is an extreme example of something that has been brewing under the surface.
I have heard many Christians stating that they stand in solidarity with Muslims in this tragedy. There was a vigil in our city last night to show support. I would have attended it if I didn’t have a family commitment.
But what does it mean to say that we stand in solidarity? I don’t like vague comments, no matter how nice they sound. I would like to flesh it out a bit.
Standing in solidarity with Muslims means that:
- We affirm that places of worship (no matter what creed) should be safe from violence.
- We affirm that there should be no violence against others, especially not based on religion, culture or other differences.
- We affirm the right of freedom of worship (or not to worship) for all people.
- We affirm that all people are created in the image of God and should be treated with respect.
- We affirm that people of every (or no) religion are welcome to be a part of our nation.
A natural question might be whether Christians are negating the differences between the religions or denying the uniqueness of Christianity. Supporting Muslims in the face of anti-Muslim violence has nothing to do with that. As a Christian, I believe that Christianity is the true way. If I thought Islam was, I would be a Muslim. In fact, just as I would want to affirm the exclusivity of Christianity, I would also want to defend the right of Muslims to see their religion as exclusive.
The only way for our society to work is if there is freedom of religious expression for all. For Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and atheists (even if they might not like being called a religion). There is either freedom for all or there is freedom for none.
Christians should pray for, support and show compassion for those who are the victims of violence for any reason.
In order for a pluralistic society to work, two things must happen:
1. We must grant the other person the right to be wrong.
2. We must grant the other person the right to believe that we are wrong.
The second is the more difficult part.
Agreed.
We also acknowledge that there are unacceptable religious practices and beliefs. I don’t think we need to stand in solidarity with them as fellow theists, who have the right to their dangerous beliefs, but we should offer compassion to them as fellow humans made in the image of God.