Healing hands reach out

A HOBART Christian pastor has provided a heartwarming message of good faith by joining with Tasmania’s Muslim leader and the state’s Muslim community at Hobart’s mosque for the Islamic holy day of worship.

One week after the tragic Christchurch massacre, which left 50 people dead, Muslims and supporters gathered at Hobart’s mosque to pay respects to the victims and partake in weekly prayers.

A Tasmania Police spokesman said officers met members of the Muslim community at the mosque prior to prayers as a sign of support.

Police presence at the mosque was maintained throughout the afternoon.

“Tasmania Police continues to provide passing attention to the mosque to reassure the local Muslim community,” a police spokesman said.

Imam Sabri Sampson said some members of the Muslim community expressed anxiety about turning up to worship yesterday in the wake of the Christchurch killings. But he said the overall support received from the Hobart community had been outstanding.

“There’s been an outpouring of care shown with many turning up to the mosque throughout the week offering flowers and well wishes,” he said.

Visiting the mosque yesterday in a show of support was Citywide Baptist Church senior pastor Matt Garvin, who said it was important people of all religions and cultures could unite.

“Christians and Muslims come from traditions which both say we are created in the image of god, and, as a city, Hobart enjoys peace, so I think it’s important we work across the boundaries to maintain that we are a city of peacefulness,” he said.

Pastor Garvin said he hoped the tragic Christchurch events could translate into the breaking down of barriers and building of stronger relationships, in what he said would probably have been the opposite of what the gunman was aiming for.