Christian-Muslim-Hindu-Buddhist-Jewish leaders in Nevada unanimously condemn Orlando massacre

by Rajan Zed

A multi-faith gathering; containing leaders of Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Baha’i, Native American and Atheist traditions; in Reno (Nevada) today strongly condemned the Orlando (Florida) night club massacre which killed 50 and injured 53 today.

Distinguished religious statesman Rajan Zed, who organized this gathering in South Reno United Methodist Church to discuss God, read on the occasion “We, the faith leaders of Nevada, unanimously condemn any and all acts of violence against innocent people” and gathered faith leaders repeated it after him while standing.

A moment of silence was also observed in which audience of about 150 people and faith leaders stayed standing for the Orlando shooting victims and their families.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, speaking on the occasion, said: “We are deeply saddened by this morning’s tragedy of Orlando nightclub massacre. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. It was a senseless and shocking violence”.

Rajan Zed further said: “We, as people of faith, despite our different belief systems, must take a stand against violence by coming together with kindness and love”.

Besides Zed, various leaders who participated in this event included Dawn M. Flower, Senior Pastor of South Reno United Methodist Church; Abdul Rahim Barghouthi, Acting Imam of Northern Nevada Muslim Community; Matthew T. Fisher, Resident Priest of Reno Buddhist Center; ElizaBeth Webb Beyer, Rabbi of Temple Beth Or & North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation; Gene Savoy Junior, Bishop of International Community of Christ; Justin V. Deverse, Baha’i Teacher; Brian E. Melendez, American Indian Spirituality Scholar; Bernard T. Drumm, Atheist leader; Kenneth G. Lucey, Religion Professor at University of Nevada.

A lamp was also lighted by various religious leaders on the occasion.

Details of the picture attached: Leaders of diverse faith traditions who participated.

Picture by: George A. Anastassatos