Responding to Recent New Zealand Mosque Violence

A Message from Our CEO to the New Zealand YMCA on Recent Mosque Violence

In response to the tragic and disturbing shootings that occurred at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, YMCA of Greater Seattle’s President and CEO, Loria Yeadon, issued the following message to the YMCA of New Zealand.

To Our Colleagues, Members and Friends at the YMCA New Zealand,

On behalf of the leadership and employees of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, we send our sincerest sympathies and our heartfelt condolences to those touched by the March 15th mass shootings at two mosques in central Christchurch, New Zealand. We are deeply shocked, saddened and heartbroken by this horrific incident.

This violence to our Muslim neighbors is more than a singular incident. It is an orchestrated, growing plague stemming from intolerance and hatred that we must stand against. An attack on mosques or other places of worship is an attack on the religious diversity and empathy that makes our communities great. Diversity and inclusion have been an integral part of our organization for over a hundred years. We will continue to open our doors as a welcoming place for anyone of any religion to find safety and community.

The YMCA of Greater Seattle stands in solidarity with you against these unprecedented and disturbing acts of extremist terrorism and hate and with our Muslim neighbors and all members of the Christchurch mosques. We stand ready to work side-by-side with other Y Associations to make sure that everyone, regardless of religion, age, income or background is respected and safe and has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

All the best,

Loria B. Yeadon
President & CEO