Standing Together in Christchurch, New Zealand
In Christchurch, New Zealand, we are shocked by and grief-stricken about the brutal attacks on the mosques here.
On Friday, 15 March, many of us were in the central city supporting the young people with the School Strike for Climate Action. It was a powerful and joyous event, with the whole of Cathedral Square filled with young people speaking out, chanting, singing, and demanding action on climate change. The event was almost finished when we heard about the shootings at the first mosque and had to clear the square quickly as the inner city was locked down.
I am immensely proud of the way we in New Zealand, and our government, are dealing with this terrible attack on Muslim people, who are an integral part of our community. There has been so much love and support shown to them—piles of flowers, loving messages, vigils around the country, people learning how to prepare halal food to send to the Muslim community, a thousand young people holding a memorial service to remember three beloved Muslim schoolmates who were killed. It goes on and on.
Churches and local marae (Maori meeting places) have offered their venues to Muslim people as safe places for them to gather and pray while their mosques are closed. One sign said, “I am your friend. I will stand guard while you pray.” Local Maori leaders have walked with Muslim leaders to their mosque to pray and sing with them. My heart is so sad but also full with all of this.
Our government is acting quickly to change our gun laws to ban semi-automatic weapons. All parties are agreeing on this. Our prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, and the Green Party leader, Marama Davidson, are speaking out powerfully to oppose Islamophobia and racism, as are many other leaders.
We are still dealing with the aftermath of the earthquakes of 2010-–2011, but in a way this has made us stronger. We know how to come together and support each other through hard times. This event is worse in some ways, as it is not the result of natural forces but of human distress patterns. There are lots of good conversations going on [happening] at all levels about the need to reject any form of hatred against other people.
Last night there was a ceremony here in Christchurch to welcome a group of new citizens—people from all over the world who have chosen to make New Zealand their home. The City Council wondered whether they should cancel it, whether anyone would turn up [attend], but nearly everyone did. It was one of the best ceremonies they have held.
So if anyone is trying to use terror and violence to divide us and build barriers between us, it is not working.
With much love to you all,
Christchurch, New Zealand
Reprinted from the e-mail discussion
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