Ottawa's Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders united after deadly week

Rasa - A booming organ thundered through Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Ottawa on Sunday as those at an interfaith memorial service sang a heartfelt O Canada following the past week’s deadly shooting attack in the heart of the capital.

News ID: 1501

Date: 28 October 2014 - 13:05

RNA - Leaders of Jewish, Muslim and Christian faiths all spoke at the service, dubbed A Prayer for Ottawa. Observers of all ages, some in military uniforms, filled the pews.

Rabbi Barry Schlesinger said Jewish scripture denounces the killing of one person as a mortal wound to society as a whole. Imam Samy Metwally made a similar condemnation of violence. All urged optimism and resolve in the face of senseless bloodshed.

“We are strong in faith, strong in hope, and strong in love,” Dean Shane Parker told the crowd of about 200 as the service began. Earlier, he said it was important to gather after such arduous events, “especially when religion is factored in.”

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