The following statement was issued jointly by the Anglican leaders of the Province of South Australia: the Right Reverend Sophie Relf-Christopher, Assistant Bishop & Administrator of the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide (sede vacante), the Right Reverend Jeremy James TSSF- Bishop of the Diocese of Willochra, and the Venerable Simon Waters, Administrator of the Diocese of The Murray.
On behalf of Anglicans in South Australia, we share in our nation’s profound grief following last night’s terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. To murder faithful Jewish Australians who are celebrating a peaceful religious festival is an almost incomprehensible horror.
We have reached out to Adelaide’s Jewish communities to assure them of our prayers and support, and our commitment to work tirelessly until hatred and disregard for any human life are repudiated by every Australian.
Such horror inevitably provokes righteous anger and a desire for a swift, just response on behalf of the victims. However, even amid these terrible events, we are reminded that goodness abides, demonstrated through the bravery of Ahmed al Ahmed, the heroic bystander who tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen with little thought for his own safety.
We honour him, along with the heroic police, ambulance officers, lifesavers, and others who offered help to the victims.
May this generosity of spirit and sense of community be our inspiration rather than the hatred which does so much to diminish us all.
As we extend our deepest condolences to our Jewish sisters and brothers, let us assure them of our solidarity and prayers during this difficult time for all the victims of this attack, their families, and the wider community.
Let us redouble our efforts to keep Jewish Australians – and all Australians – safe.
Especially in this Advent season, as Christians connect again with their loving God, let that love restore hope to our neighbourhoods and communities across Australia.
