Religious liberals in Ohio use the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting as an occasion to promote syncretism

As horrible a crime as the October 27 mass shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh is, it doesn't justify unbiblical fellowships such as the event described in the following article. The fact that the person who gave the welcoming address at the is a woman with "Reverend" before her name gives a clue as to the liberal identity of the event and its participants. As reported by Mike Sigov of the Toledo Blade, October 29, 2018:

A northwest Ohio minister Monday called on people of different faiths to pray together in an effort to drive out hate.

Themed “Forgiveness,” the Sufi universal worship service was held at Payne Memorial AME Church in Holland in solidarity with the victims of the shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.

“Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., once said, ‘Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’ Perhaps none of us love that deeply and that actively. May we learn how... ,” said Judy Trautman, chairman of the MultiFaith Council of Northwest Ohio.

Formally organized in 2003, the council defines its mission as drawing together “diverse faith groups in fellowship, education, and collaborative service to the community.” Ms. Trautman, who is ordained as a Sufi minister, led the service.

The Rev. Rose Russell, who gave a welcome address, said the service was a “necessity.”

“At a time when faith traditions are challenged in the face of hate, we feel it is important that we find ways to pray together, not to sacrifice the beauty of our own traditions, but to unite them in love for all people,” organizers said in a prepared statement.

In a separate statement, the United Muslim Association of Toledo said: “In this hour of sadness, we offer our support to the sisters and brothers of the Jewish Community and pray to God Almighty for relief and healing.”

“When one of our faiths is attacked, all of us are attacked,” Ms. Trautman said. “We cannot remain silent. We must express that these hate crimes are not what we want our country to foment and represent.”

Participants of the event shared readings and music from seven faiths: Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish, Christian, Islamic, and Baha’i.

They also lit a candle for each of the religions and for every victim of the synagogue shooting.

“I am here to show community support for the fallen and to support the concept of the unity of all people,” said Chuck Schafstall, 66, of Sylvania Township, one of about 80 people who attended the service.

Charmaine Benson, 28, of Toledo, another participant, echoed his words by saying she participated “for my community” and to express her “support for all people.”

“It is needed because it’s a pretty divided time, politically, socially, and racially,” she added.

Devorah Shulamit, of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo, addressed event participants from the podium.

“This heinous act is unconscionable...,” Ms. Shulamit said. “Jewish law requires us to ask forgiveness for anyone who may have been harmed... And that a person must be quick to forgive... And should a sinner ask for forgiveness, we should forgive him willingly and wholeheartedly...”

“The Judaism... commands us, “Do not hate your brother in your heart!” she went on to say. “Sometimes it’s very difficult. And today is one of those times. So I ask for your understanding where I am coming from. And I will get there.”

The comment by Ms. Trautman that "when one of our faiths is attacked, all of us are attacked" is, of course, nonsense, because such crimes aren't equally spread among the various faith communities. The criminals in crimes such as this are attacking followers of a particular faith and aren't necessarily going to attack followers of other faiths.