An alliance of Muslim groups in the United States has launched an online fundraiser to help rebuild African-American churches that were damaged in the recent spate of fires across the South.
Ever since the shooting on June 17 at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, that left nine black parishioners dead, at least eight churches have suffered fire damage.
The fires took place within just 10 days of one another, three of which are being investigated as possible arson cases.
“To many, it is clear that these are attacks on black culture, black religion and black lives,” the coalition wrote on the campaign’s LaunchGood page.
“It’s Ramadan, and we are experiencing firsthand the beauty and sanctity of our mosques during this holy month. All houses of worship are sanctuaries, a place where all should feel safe,” it added.
The coalition so far has raised $23,000 in just five days. The organisations involved in rehabilitating the churches consist of Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative and the Arab American Association of New York as well as digital startup Ummah Wide.
The groups said that after the campaign ends on July 18, they will hand over the money to the pastors of the burned churches.
LET CHURCHES SORT OUT OWN RACISMS — MUSLIMS MUST KEEP CLEAR OF RACISMS ..
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