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 celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.