Diverse leaders in Reno, Nevada honor Orlando massacre victims

Leaders of diverse traditions gathered at South Reno United Methodist Church in solidarity with the victims of the Orlando massacre and their families. GEORGE A. ANASTASSATOS

RENO, Nevada — A gathering of leaders of Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Baha’i, Native American and atheist traditions strongly condemned the Orlando, Florida, nightclub massacre that killed 50 and injured 53 on June 12.

President of Universal Society of Hinduism Rajan Zed, who organized the gathering in South Reno United Methodist Church read a statement saying, “We, the faith leaders of Nevada, unanimously condemn any and all acts of violence against innocent people” a faith leaders repeated it after him.

Some 150 people and faith leaders observed a moment of silence and stayed standing for the Orlando shooting victims and their families.

“We are deeply saddened by this morning’s tragedy of Orlando nightclub massacre.  Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. It was a senseless and shocking violence,” stated Zed. “We, as people of faith, despite our different belief systems, must take a stand against violence by coming together with kindness and love.”

Leaders who participated in this event included Dawn M. Flower, senior pastor of South Reno United Methodist Church; Abdul Rahim Barghouthi, acting imam of Northern Nevada Muslim Community; Matthew T. Fisher, resident priest of Reno Buddhist Center; ElizaBeth Webb Beyer, rabbi of Temple Beth Or & North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation; Gene Savoy Junior, bishop of International Community of Christ; Justin V. Deverse, Baha’i teacher; Brian E. Melendez, American Indian Spirituality scholar; Bernard T. Drumm, atheist leader; Kenneth G. Lucey, religion professor at University of Nevada.

The leaders lighted a lamp on the occasion.