“We are deeply saddened that a teenager in our community was tragically killed last week. While we do not know for certain at this point that this was a hate crime, we are grateful that the FBI is investigating it as such. Hate speech and violent hate crimes tear at the fabric of our society. An attack targeting one religious community is an attack on us all.
“As faith leaders, we stand against hate. We weep with those in our community who are weeping, and we commit ourselves to working together to build a community — both in Kansas City and nationally — that is free from bigotry and hatred. We are a wounded community, and as religious leaders, no matter what our faith, we are called to be part of the healing process.”
Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Standing with American Muslims; Upholding American Values (www.shouldertoshouldercampaign.org) is a national campaign of religious, interfaith and faith-based organizations dedicated to ending anti-Muslim sentiment. Founded in November 2010 by more than 20 national religious groups, Shoulder-to-Shoulder works locally, nationally and internationally to offer strategies for and support to efforts to address anti-Muslim sentiment.
