Muslim community: Within hours of the Christchurch mosque attacks, people of various faiths rally in support

In some of the worst terror attacks and mass shootings of recent years, Muslim communities have stepped up to help in different ways. In the aftermath of October’s Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, for example, the Muslim-American nonprofit groups CelebrateMercy and MPower Change launched a crowdfunding appeal that raised thousands for the victims.

Immediately after Friday’s attacks in Christchurch, the Te Atatū Baptist Church in Auckland, New Zealand, announced on Facebook it was opening its doors to Muslims because mosques had been closed.

“Tonight we will open up The Meeting Place from 7pm to 8pm for prayer for Christchurch. Come and light a candle, say a silent prayer and stand with our fellow kiwis. All welcome,” the post said.

“We especially invite the Muslim community whose mosques have been closed, to come and join us tonight.”

Other landmark churches, such as St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, said it was offering prayers during daily services for those affected by the shootings in New Zealand. “We pray too for our Muslim friends and (neighbors) here and around the world,” the church said on Twitter.

“The devastating attacks in Christchurch bring us together in grief and in our determination to fight hatred with friendship,” it announced on Twitter with the hashtag #WeStandTogether.

“Churches are visiting mosques across the country today in solidarity,” the group told CNN. The message was retweeted in support by Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury.

They are expressing solidarity

People started writing supportive messages using the hashtag #TheyAreUs to signal that Muslims are welcome in New Zealand. The phrase gained traction after New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern used the words when discussing the attack on Friday.

Ardern said migrants and refugees could have been caught up in the attack.

“They have chosen to make New Zealand their home and it is their home. They are us,” she said. “The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not.”

They are holding vigils

Meanwhile, peaceful vigils are already being held in New Zealand and across the UK.