Christian leaders have responded to the terror attack on Bondi Beach, Sydney, with prayers and calls for more to be done to combat antisemitism.
At least 15 people died in a mass shooting targeting Jewish people at a Hanukkah event on Sunday, carried out by two gunmen identified by police as father and son.
Brian Houston, founder of Hillsong Church, was near the beach as the attack unfolded and called on his social media followers to pray. He shared a video from a vigil on Monday, attended by “people from every walk of life".
Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, the Anglican Bishop of Sydney, called the massacre shocking and sickening.
“We embrace our Jewish neighbours and fellow citizens in love, friendship and support. We reject antisemitism, violence and hatred,” he said in a statement.
Some of those escaping from the beach were welcomed in by Bondi Anglican Church, where a service was taking place. Rector Martin Morgan said the church was praying for an end to antisemitic hatred and for the light of Jesus to shine, having witnessed a rise in hostilities in recent years.
Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of All Ireland, used his annual Christmas Carol service to pray for peace and address the rise in antisemitism.
“Christians must do everything in our power to counteract prejudice and hatred towards our Jewish brothers and sisters, or indeed towards any minorities," he said.
“Jesus came to be the Prince of Peace, and tonight we pray for peace and comfort for all those families who have been bereaved in this awful attack, for those who have been injured, and for the courageous first responders who helped to prevent even more death and destruction."
Rt Rev Rosie Frew, Moderator of the Church of Scotland, described the massacre as “the most appalling atrocity, one felt worldwide".
“This is a dark time for Australia and the Jewish community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved and the injured, with the people of Sydney and the Jewish community,” she added.
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team have deployed crisis-trained chaplains to Bondi Beach.
Josh Holland, team vice president, said: “While this community is experiencing grief and loss that is unfathomable, our chaplains are there in Bondi Beach to let them know they are not alone – that the hope and peace of God can bring them through these dark days.”