Ar the end of a fun day, at a local festival, the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival, tragedy struck by the hands of a gunman. This was not in some far away place, but in our own backyard. How do we once again mourn the loss of children, young people, along with a multitude of wounded? Sending thoughts and prayers is good, but not enough. Not enough to truly assuage the grief of the loved ones. May we find a way for people of all stripes, all beliefs, to come together to help prevent another such tragedy.

SiVIC lends its voice to those faith and interfaith groups around the world in condemning the horrific attacks on mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. It is up to all of us to show our support to all of those affected in this terrorist tragedy. For those who wish to take some action, consider going with a group to a mosque to hold space around the building and be a visible supporter of interfaith relations.
Of course, let them know you would like to do this…

And from Fred Fielding, Global Council Trustee, North America Leadership Council member, United Religions Initiative
Greetings of sorrow but hope for peace,
I received this request from Valerie Kaur and the Revolutionary Love Project.  It is a request for support of the victims of the terrorist attack in New Zealand, and for our Muslim and Sikh communities in the U.S. as they worship this weekend.

Please share this with your organizations and communities as soon as possible.  Gathering messages of support in these first hours can help bring a sense of comfort as communities gather.

We can show that where one or two people bring violence and hatred, thousands upon thousands bring love and peace.

Thank you,

Northern and Southern California have been ravaged by wildfires and many of us want to help. Here are some of the places where you can donate directly to help those in need:

Embrace Relief 

American Red Cross – Choose California Wildfires from the I Want to Support pull down list

California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund

Enloe Medical Center (near the Camp Fire and acting as the site for multiple evacuation centers)

The Humane Society of Ventura County

Our hearts are broken at the destruction and the loss of life from these fires. We thank all those who have put their lives in harm’s way to fight the fires, rescue those in peril, and tend those who have been hurt and have lost all their possessions. SiVIC sends our prayers and condolences to all affected.