The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia has sent its formal condolences to the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand marking the fifth anniversary of the tragic shootings at Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre on 15 March 2019.

The message, which was sent by the General Synod Standing Committee meeting on 15 March 2024 reads as follows:

Tuia te Ihu o te Rangi ki te Ihu o te Whenua!
E tūhono nei i te kauae runga ki te kauae raro!
Te matapihi o ngā kamo,
e whakaaria mai nei tō Rongopai,
ki runga ki te kare o ngā wai o te whakapono e pāoho ana tāu kupu;
"He hōnore he korōria ki te Atua, he maungārongo ki runga ki te mata o te whēnua he whakaaro
pai ki ngā tāngata katoa".
Tēnei e whakarere kau ana ngā mihi.

(As it is in heaven, so may it be on earth;

with all truth, love, and wisdom declaring:

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

and goodwill to all people;

we greet you with open hearts)

To the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand
To our dear Muslim brothers and sisters, assalamu alaykum.

As we met on the fifth anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks we resolved to send our love and greetings to the Muslim community in Aotearoa New Zealand.

We continue to lament the deaths of those lost to violence and hatred in Christchurch, and in the current conflict in the Holy Land. We send our condolences to all who mourn.

As leaders of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia we commit to open and loving relationship with Muslim communities throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia.

In this holy season we observe as Lent, we wish our Muslim friends Ramadan Mubarak.

On behalf of the General Synod Standing Committee of
The Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia

Archbishop Don Tamihere and Archbishop Sione Ulu’ilakepa

Rito Triumbarto from the Federation of Islamic Association of New Zealand responded to the GSSC letter:

"On behalf of the Muslim community, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for your kind message on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the Christchurch tragedy. The words of support and solidarity from General Synod Standing Committee of The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia mean a great deal to us, particularly during this time of reflection and remembrance.

We are immensely grateful for your unwavering commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting tolerance, and standing against all forms of hatred and discrimination. Your message reaffirms our shared values of love, compassion, and mutual respect.

Once again, thank you for your thoughtful message and ongoing support. May our collective efforts continue to sow the seeds of compassion and understanding, bringing light to the darkest of times."