Fighting the pain with faith

[Ptarmigan]

Fighting the pain with faith
Spiritual leaders warn against hate after Fort Hood tragedy
By SCOTT HUDDLESTON
CHRONICLE NEWS SERVICE
Nov. 8, 2009, 10:26PM

KILLEEN — Hoping to soothe the raw emotions from last week's rampage at Fort Hood, church leaders urged followers Sunday not to let their anger turn to hatred.

Some pastors even asked their congregations to try to forgive the man accused in the rampage, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, who has yet to be charged in a shooting spree that resulted in 13 deaths and 30 injuries.

The Army psychiatrist, who was shot four times by police, remained at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio on Sunday. Officials said Hasan was conscious and “conversant” with hospital staff.

Many aren't ready to forgive.

“Do I feel anger? I would call it fury,” said Tina Mason, whose husband is based at Fort Hood and serving in Iraq.

Houston Chronicles-Fighting the pain with faith

===============================================================

“It's OK to be angry for now,” Schmidt said. “But we must not let that anger plant within our hearts seeds of hatred.”

At the interfaith service at Fort Hood's 73rd Street Chapel, Chaplain (Col.) Frank Jackson led a prayer for the dead and the wounded — including Hasan and his family.

“Lord, we pray for Major Hasan's family as they find themselves in a position that no person ever desires to be in,” Jackson said. “We pray for Major Hasan, asking that you would do the work that only you can do in his life.”

He cautioned against speculating or seeking an explanation for “an unfortunate random act of violence.”

No offense to Christians, but some of them are naive. If Muslims want to avoid backlash, than they should condemn it. Clear and simple. Silence is acceptance.