The Forest Hills Interfaith Leaders released this joint statement on February 2, 2023.
***
We hear it in the human voice asking God:
“How long, O Lord?” (Psalm 13).
We hear it in the voice of God’s spokesperson speaking to others:
“How long, you people, . . . will you love vain words and seek after lies?” (Psalm 4).
We hear it directly in the voice of the Holy One speaking to us:
“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality. . . . Give justice” (Psalm 82).
We hear often about “American exceptionalism.” Dare we recognize how exceptional the United States is when it comes to violence, hate crimes, and mass shootings? How long? Dare we recognize how the culture of racism, hate, and violence drives so much social, political, and even religious discourse in our nation? We must recognize that the legacy of racism and lack of adequate training remains embedded nationwide in our systems.
The communities we serve are reflective of the vast tapestry of America and of the world. Our communities are reflective of the whole human race created in the image of God.
We condemn any and all who abuse their status as governmental, civic, or religious servants to direct violence and hatred towards others.
We religious leaders of Forest Hills are saddened by the beating and killing of Tyre Nichols. We cannot stand idly by the blood of our neighbor. We condemn in no uncertain terms the hatred and violence reflected in the words and actions of so many individuals and institutions that should exist to strengthen—not erode— the civic and social fabric of our nation. We condemn in no uncertain terms any and all who abuse their status as governmental, civic, or religious servants to direct violence and hatred towards others.
We call on all government and civic leaders, advisors, and workers, and all religious leaders and communities, to remember that we are created equally in God’s image and to act justly and mercifully with and for everybody in the land.
Blessings,
UNDERSIGNED Religious Leaders of Forest Hills
The Rev. Cecily Broderick
Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church
The Rev. Jeffrey Courter*
First Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills
Rabbi Mark Kaiserman
The Reform Temple of Forest Hills
Cantor Emily Wigod Pincus
The Reform Temple of Forest Hills
The Most Rev. Paul R. Sanchez
Our Lady Queen of Martyrs
Rabbi Gerald C. Skolnik
The Forest Hills Jewish Center
The Rev. Dr. Frederick W. Weidmann
The Church-in-the-Gardens
The Rev. Kerstin Weidmann
Grace Lutheran Church
*signed an earlier draft, was not available to sign this draft