‘All too familiar’: Faith leaders react to San Diego mosque shooting

Following the deadly shooting where three members were killed at the Islamic Center of San Diego, leaders from across religious traditions issued messages of grief, solidarity, and shared resolve against violence.

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, also expressed sorrow:

“On behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I extend our profound sorrow and prayerful solidarity following the tragic shooting at the San Diego Islamic Center.”

Interfaith leader Rev. Meg Decker, Board Chair of Community Interfaith Services in Escondido, California, said:

“My prayer is that all of us, our community, San Diego, San Diego County, that we would know the blessing of mourning … because it reminds us of the price and the value of love. It reminds us that love is the one thing that lasts.”

San Diego Bishop Michael Pham offered condolences on behalf of the Catholic community, saying:

“On behalf of the entire Roman Catholic community of San Diego, we offer my deepest condolences, solidarity and fervent prayers to the families of the victims and the entire Muslim community.”

Oussama Jammal, the secretary general of the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations, condemned the broader climate of fear and targeted violence, saying:

“No person in America should ever have to worship in fear or feel targeted, persecuted, or unsafe because of their faith.”

Expressions of solidarity also came from the Jewish community. Temple Israel of West Bloomfield said in a statement:

“We are devastated to hear that there was a fatal shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego… The images coming from San Diego are all too familiar to us. May God comfort the Muslim community of San Diego and beyond, and all communities of worship that pray for wholeness and peace.”

Rabbi Jason Navarez of Congregation Beth Israel of San Diego emphasized shared responsibility in rejecting violence:

“We do not need to agree on everything to stand firmly against violence. The Jewish community knows all too well the vulnerability that comes when sacred space is violated. That experience should not harden our hearts, but deepen our capacity to stand with others.”