Prayers and Solidarity in Response to the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party Attack

Today, The United Church of Canada, with the Pacific Mountain Regional Council, joins with the people of Vancouver and the whole of the country, in shock and deep grief at the violent attack on the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party. To date, nine people have been reported killed, with multiple others injured when an SUV plowed into the crowded celebration.  We pray for those who have been killed, for their families and friends, and for those facing injuries, that they might heal, in both body and mind, from this horrible crime. The United Church prays also for first responders who witnessed this horrific scene, and for strength for investigators as they help the community and country understand what happened in this devastating action and find justice.  

We hold in deep concern and solidarity the Filipino-Canadian community as the event was to celebrate Filipino community values and spirit. The Moderator of the United Church, Rt. Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne shares her profound sadness and support, “For those of the Filipino community, in Vancouver, our church, and across the country, please know that we are with you with both rage and grief, and will come alongside as you seek to heal and find justice.” As The United Church of Canada, we wait in horror to hear whether this was indeed a racially motivated hate crime as it seems and renew our deep commitment to racial justice across this whole land, indeed, across the whole world.