August 17, 2007

The Islamic Information Center condemns the attacks taken out on the First Congregational Church of Neosho, Missouri. Such an act in a place of worship is a great tragedy, and a source of sadness for all people. The Quran teaches that killing any one individual is as heinous a crime as killing everyone in the world - making this crime especially abominable.

A gun man burst into the church on Sunday while his relatives and other community members were praying and fired shots throughout the building. Three members of the church were killed including an assistant pastor. The rest of the victims were taken to near by hospitals to undergo treatment for their injuries. Though the shooter was caught and is now in custody, the police are still figuring out a few leads to locate the specific cause the incident.

The IIC calls for members of the Neosho community as well as around the country to come together and pray for the safe recovery of those who were injured. Condolences are passed to the families of the victims on behalf of the Islamic Information Center.