The Sikh American Community

August 9, 2012

Dear Friends, Colleagues, Neighbors, and Community Leaders

We are humbled by the outpouring of national support for the congregation in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and the Sikh American community. Your support reminds us that we are all part of a common American fabric.

On Sunday, August 12, we ask that your congregation and community join us in a National Moment of Reflection as we honor the memory of the victims.

At the end of every Sikh service, the congregation makes a request of the Divine in a prayer called ardas. This last request is for “sarbat da bhalla”, “May everyone in the world be blessed and may good come to all”. We hope that this National Moment of Reflection at churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, gurdwaras, and community centers across America will send the message of blessings for all, and that we stand united against hate and intolerance and as part of a common humanity.

While the official time of the shootings was at 10:20am CST, we encourage you to choose a time for reflection that will have the most meaning in your community, such as a moment of silence or a prayer during a worship service.

Please share this message with your friends, family, and other communities and congregations. And let us know that your congregation will be participating by leaving your organization’s name and location at www.saldef.org/oakcreek or send an email to info@saldef.org. Individuals can also sign up to participate on Facebook.

Thank you,
The Sikh American Community