A mass shooting occurred on the evening of January 29, 2017, at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City, a mosque in the Sainte-Foy neighbourhood of Quebec City. Six people were killed and nineteen others injured when a lone gunman opened fire just before 8:00 pm, shortly after the end of evening prayers. Fifty-three people were reported present at the time of the shooting.
A memorial service for victims of the Quebec City massacre was held at the TARIC Islamic Centre in Toronto, Ontario, on February 4 and attended by followers of several faiths, including
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Imam Shaykh Imran Ally conducted the service, saying, “This horrific attack … has devastated all faith worshippers, since places of worship are our last hope of safe sanctuaries.” However, he said the Muslim community would remain strong, calling the heartfelt outpouring of support from across Canada and around the world “unbelievable.”
Invited to express condolences following the main speakers, Jim Wilson (Toronto Ontario Stake director of public affairs for the Church), on behalf of the Toronto Ontario Stake president, Kullervo Hynynen, offered a message of compassion, fellowship, brotherly love and mutual respect and wished for God’s blessing upon all those in attendance.
Event chairperson Haroon Salamat said, “The purveyors of hate would like to place a barrier between Muslims and the Canadian community, but they have failed, and they will never succeed as long as people of goodwill like you stand shoulder to shoulder with us and other victims of bigotry.”
Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Canada were quick to express sorrow and condemnation for the tragic shooting, and to offer support to all those affected by such a senseless act of violence.
The following statement was released (30 January, 2017) by the Canadian leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
'We express our deep sorrow and condemnation for the tragic shooting of our brothers in worship at the Quebec City mosque last evening. Central to the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that God is Father to all inhabitants of the earth and that He loves each of us deeply. We are His children.
'We offer our prayers in support of those most directly impacted by this senseless and unjustifiable act. We further invite all to reach out in faith and tolerance and love to our brothers and sisters of other beliefs. We are indeed all God's children.'
Elder Alain Allard, North America Northeast Area
Elder Michael Murray, North America Northwest Area
Elder Lawrence Spackman, North America Central Area
Elder James Evanson, North America Central Area
Links: Canada Area Presidency express sorrow and condemnation
ttp://www.mormonnewsroom.ca/article/latter-day-saints-offer-love-and-support-to-muslim-community