WASHINGTON – Interfaith Alliance executive director Rabbi Jack Moline offered condolences on behalf of the board of directors and staff of the organization following the tragic shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the members of Emanuel AME Church, the families of the victims and the people of Charleston.  The senseless loss of lives must not be forgotten. In honoring the lives of those murdered, we recommit ourselves to replacing hate with love, violence with peace, and weapons with embraces.

The apparent racism in this crime is especially reprehensible. And sadly, it has become too common of a necessity for us to put out a statement of condolence for another of the thousands of tragic gun deaths in America. Please take a moment to reflect on this tragedy and to consider what you might do to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.