WSC-AR Shocked at School Shooting, Calls for Prayers

WSC-AR Shocked at School Shooting, Calls for Prayers

December 15, 2012

The World Sikh Council - America Region (WSC-AR) is extremely saddened at the horrendous crime of senseless shooting on December 14, 2012 at the Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown, Connecticut. Current reports indicate that twenty beautiful little children have died, six adults have been killed, and many critically injured.

WSC–AR sends its heartfelt condolences to all the parents, the families, and loved ones of all those who have been taken away by this abhorrent tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the injured for a speedy and full recovery.

This incalculable tragedy comes on the heels of mass shootings in a movie theatre in Aurora, Colorado in July, and at a Sikh Gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin in August. Many Americans were killed, and many injured, during each of these incidents. As a society, we must take stock, and rethink how to reach and what to teach our children, who are priceless.

All the Gurdwaras across our nation and beyond should consider holding a candle light vigil or join any vigil(s) in their respective towns. Gurdwaras are requested to hold a Special Diwan on Sunday, December 16, 2012 to remember the massacre at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, and sing or read a special Shabad relevant to this very occasion. We also suggest that a special Ardaas (supplication) be held for the departed souls and those injured in this tragedy.

The World Sikh Council - America Region (WSC-AR) is the umbrella organization representative of Sikhs in the United States. It is an elected body of Sikh Gurdwaras and institutions. Currently 48 Gurdwaras and other Sikh institutions across the nation are members of WSC-AR. The major governing purpose of the organization is to represent the collective view of Sikhs in the United States. WSC-AR works to promote Sikh interests at the national and international level focusing on issues of advocacy, education, and well-being of humankind.

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Member Gurdwaras of WSC-AR:

1. Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Opelika, AL

2. Pacific Coast Khalsa Diwan Society, Stockton, CA

3. Gurdwara Sahib Fremont, Fremont, CA

4. Guru Nanak Sikh Mission, Livingston, CA

5. Sikh Gurdwara of LA, North Hollywood, CA

6. Sikh Gurdwara Riverside, Riverside, CA

7. Gurdwara Guru Angad Darbar, Bakersfield, CA

8. Colorado Singh Sabha, Denver, CO

9. Guru Singh Sabha of Augusta, Augusta, GA

10. Sikh Study Circle of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA

11. Sikh Religious Society of Chicago, Palatine, IL

12. Sikh Society of South, New Orleans, LA

13. New England Sikh Study Circle, Boston, MA

14. Singh Sabha of Michigan, Canton, MI

15. Sikh Gurdwara of Michigan, Rochester Hills, MI

16. Sikh Society of Michigan, Madison Heights, MI

17. Downriver Gurdwara Sahib, Detroit, MI

18. Guru Nanak Foundation of Jackson, MS

19. Sikh Gurdwara of North Carolina, Durham, NC

20. Sikh Sabha of Upper Valley, Hanover, NH

21. Garden State Sikh Association, Bridgewater, NJ

22. Guru Nanak Sikh Society of Delaware Valley, Sewell, NJ

23. Siri Guru Singh Sabha, Glenrock, NJ

24. Sikh Sabha of New Jersey, Lawrenceville, NJ

25. Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh, Las Vegas, NV

26. Sikh Cultural Society Inc., Richmond Hills, NY

27. Sikh Cultural & Edu. Society of Western NY, Buffalo, NY

28. Sikh Foundation of Syracuse, Liverpool, NY

29. Guru Nanak Found. of Greater Cleveland, Richfield, OH

30. Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Society, Bedford, OH

31. Guru Nanak Religious Soc. of Central Ohio, Columbus, OH

32. Sikh Sadh Sangat, Easton, PA

33. Philadelphia Sikh Society, Millbourne, PA

34. Tristate Sikh Cultural Society, Monroeville, PA

35. Mid South Sikh Sabha, Memphis, TN

36. Sikh Center of Gulf Coast, Houston, TX

37. Siri Guru Singh Sabha, Richardson, TX

38. Sikh Gurdwara of North Texas, Garland, TX

39. Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Fairfax, VA

40. Sikh Association of Central Virginia, Richmond, VA

41. Sikh Religious Society of Wisconsin, Brookfield, WI

Other Sikh Institution Members of WSC-AR:

1. Siri Guru Granth Sahib Found., Anaheim, CA

2. Sikhs Serving America, Topeka, KS

3. Sikh Youth Federation of North America, White Plains, NY

4. Sikh Heritage Foundation, Long Island, NY

5. Sikh Educational & Religious Foundation, Dublin, OH

6. Sikh Youth Federation of USA, Toledo, OH

7. Academy of Guru Granth Studies, Arlington, TX