Kingston – Concerned Resident Response to Ottawa Shooting

Ottawa

Last night a group of concerned Kingston residents gathered at Sydenham United Church to express their thoughts, feelings, and prayers for those affected by the shooting in Ottawa that morning. The group agreed to pen a response to share with the world.

For more thoughts on the shooting, please read Matthew Behrens article Reflections on a violent day in Ottawa on rabble.ca.

22 October 2014 – –

AT the end of this tragic day in Canada, we are deeply AFRAID;

We are afraid for our sisters and brothers in the Muslim community, who may become, in the coming days, victims of retaliation and backlash they in no way deserve;

We are afraid of how our government will use this event as a reason to further tighten security against all citizens, further erode privacy and freedom, and further an agenda of militarism;

We are afraid that more Canadian soldiers will die as victims of violence;

We are afraid that this country that we love will descend into mistrust, fear of neighbour, and expressions of racism and hatred;

We are afraid that the peace and freedom and respect for civilian rights will be replaced by a state that does not resemble the country we know and love.

We would call on all neighbours to send thoughts and prayers for the families who have lost their sons today, refuse to allow our grief to be interpreted as a call to war, and to stand fast for the pillars of respect, tolerance, welcome, and civil liberty that are the hallmarks of our nation.

  • Respectfully signed at a peace vigil held tonight at Sydenham Street United Church,
  • Rev. Dr. Nan Hudson, in ministry at Faith United Church, Kingston
  • Mabel Corlett, Sydenham Street United Church
  • Kate Johnson, Chaplain
  • Jamie Swift
  • Tara Kainer
  • Jolene Cheryl Simko
  • Judith Wyatt
  • Bronek Korczynski
  • Elaine Berman
  • Rev. Steve Hoffard, St. Marks Lutheran Church, Kingston
  • Rev. Elizabeth Macdonald, Sydenham Street United Church, Kingston
  • Annie Richard
  • Amy Solc
  • Diane Fitsell
  • David Wyatt

Signatures added since the original posting:

  • Jonas Lewis-Anthony
  • Jeffry Piker
  • Rob Matheson
  • Aaron Visser
  • Ann Bonifero
  • Elizabeth Pater
  • Rev. Lynn Elliott
  • Mohammad Saleem, President, Islamic Society of Kingston
  • Michael Cooke
  • Paul Clifford
  • Susanne Cliff-Jungling
  • Mary Farrar
  • Laurie Davey-Quantick
  • Alice Gazeley