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June 11, 2021Message of Condolence and Support for Muslim Community
On Sunday the 6th of June 2021, I was alarmed at the news of the premeditated truck attack on a Muslim family who were going about their normal lives. I was shocked by this act of violence and deeply troubled by the hate that motivated this senseless act. Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, bigotry or racism has no place in our society. I extend condolences to the family and their friends and to all the Muslim faithful in London, Ontario. I express my solidarity and support for the Muslim community in the National Capital Region who share in the grief. I condemn in the strongest terms this act of violence.
I pray for healing of the immediate family and the entire Muslim community who share the pain and horror of this terrible event. Every person in Canada, indeed in the world, must be free to live without fear of intimidation, oppression or violence. On behalf of the entire Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall, and myself, I offer my condolences and prayers for the Muslim community. We pray that this terrible act of violence never is repeated and we join in celebrating our shared commitment to our cherished Canadian values, especially religious freedom and respect for the human person. May God console, bless and encourage us all.
XMarcel Damphousse
Archbishop of Ottawa-Cornwall
June 11, 2021