HARTFORD (8/6/2012) -- In response to the Sunday shooting in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Interim Conference Minister, Rev. Charles Wildman joined many in condemning the violence and called for prayers of peace for all people.
The shooting took place at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin during the morning prayers. A single gunman is suspected of firing on worshippers inside and outside the temple. Six people were killed and several others wounded, including a police officer who was assisting one of the victims. The suspected gunman was then shot and killed by another officer. Though no motive has yet been determined, authorities are treating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism.
Rev. Wildman responded to news of the shooting with a call for prayers of peace. "We join with people of faith around the globe in condemning the senseless attack on the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin," said Wildman. "Violence against people of any and all faiths is abhorrent to the common God of love and peace whom we all worship. We hold in prayer the victims, their families and the congregation even as we pray for religious tolerance and peace for all earth's people."
Late Sunday, the World Sikh Council - America Region (WSC-AR) released a statement offering its "condolences and support to the victims, their families, the law enforcement agencies (especially the police officer shot in the line of duty) and the surrounding community." The WSC-AR called for prayers for the victims, families and friends, and the surrounding community, and expressed its appreciation for the bravery of those officers who responded to the scene. The Council also offered support for interreligious partners and the public in trying to understand the tragedy.
The World Sikh Council - America Region is an elected body of Sikhs leaders whose main purpose is to represent the collective views of Sikhs in the United States and promote issues of advocacy, education, and well-being of humankind.
