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This Monday, there was a mass shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Three men were killed before the two teenagers responsible committed suicide. After this tragedy, people have questioned what motivated the killers. In targeting the Islamic Center, the pair hoped to copy past mass shootings, aiming to harm the children at the center, but were stopped by the courage of Amin Abdullah, the center’s security guard. There is clear evidence that the shooters wanted to follow the example of past killers. It is important to understand what led these teenagers to violence, but we also need to recognize and speak out about the hatred that drove them. This hatred is not limited to online spaces. Proverbs 31:9 calls us to “open our mouths, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” We must be clear-eyed and honest about the hatred Muslims face in our communities. Right now, our country is at war with Iran, the third Muslim country we have fought since 2000. This war is being led by the Secretary of Defense, an open supporter of Christian Nationalism, and commanded by a President who regularly denigrates Muslims himself. Ignoring this context when we talk about Monday’s violence dishonors the victims and keeps us from taking responsibility to ensure this violence never happens again. As Christians, we cannot stay silent about violence done in our name. We must advocate for peace and commit ourselves to healing the pain caused by hatred toward Muslims, both here and around the world. This means we must also challenge those in power who spread this hatred. –Rev. Moya Harris and Chad Stanton, Sojourners P.S. We are continuing to build an intentional community of people looking to enact their faith in our Sojourners Faith and Practice Forum on Mighty Networks. Please consider joining us.
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