Interfaith Group Reaches Out to Sikh Community After Tragedy

Followers of the Sikh faith in the Milwaukee are trying to come to terms with Sunday’s tragic shooting at their temple in Oak Creek. Meanwhile a local interfaith group is looking for ways to bring together believers of all faiths in the community to learn about each other and strive for mutual respect.

Fear and sorrow was the immediate reaction of members of the Oak Creek Sikh temple. One of the first calls one of the members made after calling police was to another Sikh temple in Brookfield, 25 miles away. When the chairman of that community, Gucharan Grewal, heard what had happened he immediately called the Brookfield police: “Some of our friends from [Oak Creek] called and said, ‘this is what happened here and you guys have got to be a little bit careful and take precautions.’”

The police responded immediately and although there were no threats or incidents in Brookfield, squad cars remained at the temple entrance until late Sunday afternoon.

But the director of the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee says now it’s time for a different kind of response. Tom Heinen says he’s hoping over the next few weeks that interfaith meals and worship and discussion groups can take place. He says while such events may not influence people like the man who carried out Sunday’s shooting it could prevent future tragedies. “What can we do to provide accurate information, and give them a chance to have relationships with people who are different than they are, so that they don’t fear the other and don’t demonize them but they recognize that we have so much in common and a lot to offer each other.”

Heinen says he’s already scheduled meetings with local Sikh leaders to discuss plans for possible interfaith events. He says Sunday’s shooting is part of what he sees as the growing influence of white supremacy groups.