Approved by the AAR Board of Directors on March 18, 2019
The American Academy of Religion unequivocally condemns the mass killing at the Al Noor and Linwood mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 15, 2019. Our hearts go out to those families and friends who mourn the people who have been killed, to those under critical care, and to those who have survived. We express our gratitude to those who are providing aid and comfort in this darkest time. In light of AAR’s mission of promoting deep understanding of all religious traditions of the world, and its values of openness, transparency, civil discourse, and inclusivity, we abhor the white supremacist Islamophobic ideology that motivated the murders. We hope to honor our friends in New Zealand by continuing to work against hate of all kinds, through understanding and constructive action.