In the aftermath of this week’s terrorist tragedy, it is vital to guard against stereotyping of people based on religion or ethnicity, says John Graz, public affairs and religious liberty director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwide.

“There is a very natural reaction of wanting to assign blame,” acknowledges Graz. “But in this time of international distress, we must be sure that the innocent do not pay for the acts of the guilty.”

“There are good people everywhere, but there are also fanatics everywhere, in all religions,” says Graz. “This terrible suffering has been caused by fanatics who are blind to the value of human life.”

“These people are a minority,” he adds. “Most people, no matter what their religion or beliefs, want to live with their families in a world of peace.”

In the days following Tuesday’s attack, many Muslim and Arab groups across the United States and around the world have condemned the acts of terrorism. But in the United States, Muslim organizations have reported a marked rise in harassment of Muslim-Americans, especially of women who wear the traditional religious head covering, called a hijab.

Graz, who has been interviewed on a number of European radio stations over the past few days, says, “We must find more ways to build bridges between all people of goodwill, in every religion, and present a united front against evil of this kind.”

The Adventist Church will continue working to promote tolerance and respect for all individuals, regardless of their race or religion, says Graz.

“Hate, not religion, was at the root of these barbaric attacks,” he says, “and we must resist the temptation to perpetuate this hate.”