Responding to the Bondi Shooting

Dear Friends,

I am sure many of us are feeling deep shock and sorrow following yesterday’s attack on Jewish people celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach.

The horror of violence occurring in one of our most beloved public places is affecting Australians deeply, and the targeting of a religious and cultural community will be felt across many faiths and ethnicities.

Every person should feel safe to practise their faith and to gather as community. As the Archbishop has written in the attached Ad Clerum, such discrimination and violence is “a sin against our neighbour and an assault on human dignity. Such violence must be condemned wherever and whenever it occurs.” We can never rest from the work of making peace with our neighbours and building cohesive communities.

• If you would like to light a candle for those who have been killed, those who have been injured and traumatised, and those who are fearful for their safety, Holy Spirit Kenmore is open all day today and tomorrow, with a prayer station prepared in front of the altar.

• At our Blue Christmas service this Sunday at 5pm at Kenmore, we will also include a time of reflection on the fractures in our world that need healing, as well as the individual challenges and griefs we carry that make Christmas a complex season.

• If you, or someone you know, is experiencing distress and would value a pastoral conversation, please do not hesitate to contact me.

As we sing our carols and light our Advent candles this year, may we hold in our hearts all who have been effected by this tragedy, and recommit ourselves to the call at the heart of our own tradition: to love our neighbour, welcome the stranger, and honour the dignity of every precious life God has created.

I have included below a prayer written by Australian priest Elizabeth Smith, which you may find helpful.

Please reach out if you need support during this time.

Peace and grace,
Rev'd Deb