Faiths must work together to fight hate speech

Salam Christian Fellowship vehemently condemns the mosque shootings that took place March 15 in New Zealand. SCF also offers its sincerest condolences to the families of those affected, as well as the entire Christchurch community. We have seen time and time again that hate speech on all sides can have deadly consequences. Hate speech has a real, tangible human toll and those propagating it must have no voice in our communities.

At this time, SCF calls upon local law enforcement to help secure all places of worship during Friday and Sunday prayers. SCF also asks that the suspects be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and send a clear message that acts of hatred, intimidation and terrorism will not be tolerated.

SCF calls for a frank and open conversation on thorny issues that are often silenced in our communities, some of them are white supremacy and radical Islamic ideologies.

The SCF is a dynamic charitable, religious, social, cultural and educational organization. Its mission is to share the love of Christ with Muslims and Middle Eastern immigrants in the greater Chicago area. SCF helps Muslim refugees and new immigrants acculturate and assimilate in the American community. SCF offers English as a Second Language (ESL), employment, and provides a surrogate ethnic community for them.

SCF works with local churches in order to empower the most vulnerable people from the Middle East and North Africa and help them to be transformed economically, socially, and spiritually.

Hesham Shehab, Founder

Salam Christian Fellowship

Lombard