Dear GANZ members,
It is with heartfelt sadness that we acknowledge the horrific terrorist attack on two mosques in Ōtautahi/Christchurch during Friday prayers on the 15th of March.
Gestalt is an inclusive, humanist tradition, the very antithesis of acts such as this. As a council representing Gestaltists in Aotearoa/New Zealand and Australia, we reject hatred in the strongest of terms. We instead embrace tolerance, respect and compassion.
Please join us in extending our deepest condolences to those who are grieving in the Christchurch community, and around the world. Keep those injured in your thoughts, meditations and prayers. Please think of those in emergency services, government agencies and media who are there in the aftermath. We send our sincerest sympathy to the Islamic communities across Australasia, and affirm our shared human values. We are one.
Gestalt has a kind, active heart, and often a desire for movement. We learn in community, and we are of community. We are people of compassion. We are healers. Healers of ourselves, and healers of others. In this spirit we have an opportunity to respond in practical ways to such tragic events. As a community, let’s respond to this with positive action.
Please, look out for those in your community who may be struggling. Speak out against hatred in all its forms. Challenge public figures who seek to separate people. Reject media outlets that peddle division and intolerance. Oppose bigotry from colleagues, friends and family. Hug a neighbour.
When we gather in May, let us continue the conversation about what our community can do to heal and grow.
If you wish to donate to the victims families, this is the only official way to do so: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/christchurch-shooting-victims-fund
As-salāmu ʿalaykum, arohanui, kindly
GANZ Council