Cabinet Issues Statement of Sympathy, Compassion for Kansas City

The Cabinet has issued the statement below in response to the tragic events that unfolded yesterday at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City in Overland Park, Kansas

To the editors:

We, the Cabinet of Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis, extend our compassion and prayerful support for the Jewish community of Kansas City. We mourn the loss of life and pray for the victims and their families, and offer our prayers of healing for the entire community wounded by violence.

Each faith community has the right to peace and safety. We believe the best antidote to hatred, and the violence it creates, is living the values that uphold a democratic society: respect, peaceful conflict resolution and responsiveness to those in need. We honor the rich religious diversity that enhances our life together, yet we speak in unison. We speak with one voice to promote peace, respect and understanding among people of all faiths.

Interfaith Partnership includes 27 different faith traditions in the St. Louis area. Our motto is: “As communities of faith, we agree to differ, promise to love, and unite to serve.”

Signed,

The Cabinet of Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis
Archbishop Robert Carlson, Chair
Rev. C. Jessel Strong, Vice Chair