Ambulance staff take a man from outside a mosque in central Christchurch, New Zealand on Friday. Multiple people are in custody after shootings at two mosques there. MARK BAKER / AP

Yesterday, armed gunmen attacked  two mosques in New Zealand  - the deadliest attack in the history of New Zealand.  O ur hearts are broken over this act of terrorism. Our prayers go out to the victims and their families.

Two days ago, our speakers presented to a local church, Heritage Fellowship . Today, Associate  Pastor Justin Bishop  reached out to us saying:

"T hank you both so much for the work you are doing. Members of our community keep telling me how much they enjoyed hearing from you both. My heart breaks at the news of the recent shooting in New Zealand, but I believe that by speaking to groups like ours, you are turning the tide of hate and fighting ignorance. May we find better days ahead, God willing." - Justin Bishop, Associate Pastor of Heritage Fellowship

The Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta strives to turn the tide of hate by fighting ignorance. Sometimes when we conduct presentations, attendees will tell us this is the first interaction they have had with a Muslim.  We strive to fight Islamophobia through building bridges of education.

Let us stay strong, vigilant, and keep those who have lost their dear ones in our prayers and also pray for the ones who are fighting for their lives or under medical care due to this horrific act.

No matter where in the world, we mourn the loss of human lives.  
The Qu'ran forbids the killing of innocent people and sanctifies human life: "...if anyone slays a human being - unless for murder or spreading corruption on earth [by law]- it shall be as though he has slain all mankind; whereas if anyone saves a life, it shall be as though he has saved the lives of all mankind..."

To donate to the families of the victims, please click here. Thank you to all our friends and community partners for the outpouring of support and love. 

The Islamic Speaker Bureau works to become the Islamic source for faith and civic collaboration promoting community, civility, and religious understanding and inclusion, bringing education about Islam and world religions to the public sphere within the Atlanta and Georgia community. The organization teaches and collaborates in an open way to build a better tomorrow.