Condolences for the family and friends of the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting

We would like to extend our condolences and our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the 11 people who were killed in Saturday morning’s gun attack on three Jewish congregations meeting in the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, and to the Jewish community there.

Saturday’s deadly gun attack on the synagogue was called by Pittsburgh mayor Bill Peduto the “darkest day of Pittsburgh’s history.”

As Christians, we abhor this kind of religiously-targeted violence against people of any religious faith, and we grieve with those of the Jewish community who are mourning as a result of this tragic anti-Semitic incident.

The New Testament clearly teaches both respect and non-violence towards others. For example:

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:10[1]

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.”
Matthew 6:38-42[2]

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”
Luke 6:27-31[3]

There is simply no place in society for religiously-targeted violence, and once again we express our deepest sympathies to those personally affected by this attack.

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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

[1] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6%3A10&version=ESVUK

[2] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A38-42&version=ESVUK

[3] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6%3A27-31&version=ESVUK