Of course my thoughts are with the people of Christchurch (for many years my home). Where else could my thoughts possibly be at a time like this?
And, what I trust are more valuable, my prayers are for them as well, and for all our country.
Kia kaha, kia maia. Be strong, be courageous.
Don’t let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good. (Romans 12:21)
What did you think of your PM’s response?
Any particular part of her response?
I am certainly glad that she is showing empathy on a personal level and also taking swift and decisive action on the means of this attack, i.e. bringing in long-called-for changes to the gun licensing laws. The real challenge will be taking on the motivations for the attack – you can’t destroy hate by legislation. It’s a job for all of us.
Sadly, among the responses were very anti-Muslim reactions from people who just wanted to say ‘they did it first’. Sadder still, these came from Christians too often – the right wing ones.
Except “they” didn’t. Undeniably, violence has been – and still is – committed by Muslims, but not by these Muslims. To attack those who are merely “guilty by association” reveals one’s motivation to be not justice but revenge.
How can someone look at the face of a murdered child and say “they did it first”? And even if they had, how can someone call themselves Christian and brush off Christ’s command to love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you?