On Friday, March 15th, two terrorist attacks occurred, at Masjid Al Noor Mosque and at  Linwood Mosque, in Ōtautahi, Aotearoa (Christchurch, New Zealand) leaving 50 dead and many injured. As the country grieves, our National Superintendent Rev Dr Richard Waugh would like to share this message:

Overcome Evil with Good

“All New Zealanders of faith or no faith, are horrified by the tragic events at the mosques in Christchurch this afternoon. We repudiate such hateful action and hold onto the promise of Scripture which says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  It is appalling beyond words what has happened and our prayers, thoughts and practical generosity extend to all Muslim families suffering so terribly at this time. We pray for the Police, ambulance staff and hospital staff working so hard to bring some comfort.

We send our love and greetings to our resident Wesleyan Methodist minister in Christchurch, Rev Clint Ussher and his wife Jamie (nee Jackson), and congregation at The Well (www.thewellnz.org), and Pastor Rory Nimmo and nearby rural congregation of Church 360 (www.church360.nz).  Some church members were in close proximity to the shooting areas including children in locked-down school situations.

One of our Wesleyan Methodist Ministers, Rev Frank Ritchie, who works as a media chaplain, has flown from Auckland to Christchurch tonight to assist with chaplaincy efforts and pastoral support.

In my ecumenical leadership roles, Chairman of Auckland Church Leaders Meeting and Chairman of New Zealand National Church Leaders Meeting, I am helping to coordinate the churches response to this unprecedented act of violence in a country that cherishes peace and hospitality to many.

It is so good to have many prayerful messages from many Wesleyans and other friends around the globe. Thank you.”

Rev Dr Richard Waugh

National Superintendent WMCNZ