Dear Friends, Our letter of support for the Salman Alfarisi Islamic Center is printed here and attached as a word file. Five Stones Sangha Buddhist Meditation Group Corvallis, OR 97330 November 30, 2010 Yosof Wanly, Imam Mohammed Siala, Director The Salman Alfarisi Islamic Center 610 N.W. Kings Blvd. Corvallis, OR 97330 Dear Messrs. Wanly and Siala: As members of the interfaith community of Corvallis, we want to express our deepest sympathy for the recent fire at your place of worship and offer our hands and hearts with compassion in your hour of need. If, as reported, the fire was due to arson triggered as some form of retribution to the actions of one misguided individual, we can only feel saddened by this response and can offer our assurance that it was not a response supported by the broader Corvallis community. We plan to join hands with others of the interfaith community this evening at your center to participate in the candlelight vigil. The action of an individual who on occasion participated in services at your Islamic Center is receiving a lot of national attention in the media, and which unfortunately can serve to inflame those who themselves have yet to learn the true lessons of their faiths. We are very thankful that the young man was not able to carry out his alleged plan to harm a large number of innocent people at an event intended to honor the peace and goodwill of the season. We are also thankful that the fire at your center was caught and contained quickly so as to limit the damage. It is sad that the promise of this young man had taken such a misguided turn, as young people of that age have not developed a full sense of themselves, their place in the world, and an understanding the true teachings of their faith. We recognize his acts in no way reflect the teachings of Islam, one of the world’s great religions, and one which emphasizes faith, hope, brotherhood, and love. We hope that the unfortunate events of the past week can be seen as an opportunity to come together as a community, to learn more about each others’ faiths, and to foster a greater sense of understanding that we really all share the same hopes: peace, love of family, acceptance of our faith, and hope for the future. As one very small group within the interfaith community, we wish to join hands with our brethren across Corvallis and to reach out to your faith community. If there is any way we can be of service to your center in promoting understanding or in helping to rebuild what has been damaged, please know that we are available to you. With heartfelt wishes, Five Stones Sangha
_______________________ ________________________ ________________________ Gary Angelo Ken Oefelein Bob Richardson Steering Committee Steering Committee Steering Committee |
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