Members of the Sikh Society of Northeast Florida called an impromptu service Sunday night to pray for the victims of the Milwaukee-area Sikh temple shooting.
"It's very sad, we all grieve with the families," said Sukhibir Singh, a founder of the Sikh Society of Northeast Florida. Singh said Sikhism is a religion of peace and that its members respect other religions.
Singh said he's been in Jacksonville since 1996 and often speaks at colleges, organizations and even churches to raise awareness of Sikhism, which has at times been confused for Islam. Sikhism is a monotheistic offshoot of Hinduism.
Slideshow:?Deadly shooting at Sikh temple in Wisconsin
There are 25 to 30 families in the Northeast Florida society. About 50 people sang hymns and prayed Sunday in a small temple on the Southside off Baymeadows Road. Those in attendance also held a candlelight vigil after the service.
Singh said he and his fellow Sikhs in Jacksonville stand with those in Wisconsin.
"All of our hearts and prayers go to the families and everyone who has been affected directly or indirectly," he said.
Om Kapoor, vice president of the Sikh Society of Northeast Florida, called the shooting an "inhuman" act, but that they were gathered Sunday to ask for peace and forgiveness. Kapoor asked those in attendance to comfort and check on the families in Wisconsin with phone calls.
"This was done by some people who obviously don't like peace," he said.
Harsimran Singh, who wore a T-shirt that read "SIKH: Google it," said he was there Sunday to help send a message to the country that the Sikh community is united in peace.
"We've all heard the sad news that occurred today. The point of us being here is just to show our society that we stand united regardless of the events today," said Singh, no relation to Sukhibir. "We're just here to pray for the families and the victims that lost their lives today and to show our support."
topher.sanders@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4169
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