Dear Chautauquans,

We stand with Muslims around the world in grieving the acts of hatred and murder in Christchurch, New Zealand. Chautauqua Institution remains steadfast in its commitment to interfaith dialogue and engagement that build bridges and foster understanding across difference. Interfaith understanding doesn’t just happen — it takes work and study and face-to-face interactions with Muslims. That is why Chautauqua, through its Department of Religion, strives to bring leading Muslim voices to our 2 p.m. Interfaith Lecture Series and our Interfaith Fridays series. Ours is an emphasis on interfaith learning and respect that has gone on at Chautauqua for more than two decades.

You, our beloved Chautauqua community, are essential to this endeavor; please know that the work we do together each summer matters, especially in these moments that make our progress seem fruitless.

If you would like to send greetings of solidarity to Muslims in Christchurch and around the world, one way can be found at this link. Or, if you would like to contribute to supporting the victims’ families, you can do so at this link.

May our prayers for peace and harmony, and our work for Interfaith understanding, continue in the days ahead.

As-salāmu ʿalaykum,

Bishop Gene Robinson
Vice President of Religion and Senior Pastor

Maureen Rovegno
Director of Religion