Statement issued June 8, 2020. 

The sacred scriptures of our faith traditions begin with the story of creation: a story that reminds us that all humanity is created in the image of the divine. In the strength of this shared belief, we speak with one voice to condemn all forms of racism, bigotry and hatred as an affront to our Creator. We grieve the recent murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, whose deaths reflect the painful history and reality of racism in this nation. We acknowledge with sorrow the prejudices that have kept us from recognizing the divine spark in one another. We bear witness to this moment, and hear all people of color as they give voice to their pain, their fear, and their struggle.

As clergy, we commit ourselves to combating all forms of racism, bigotry and hate. We honor all those who are already at work in our community to do just that – particularly our youth, who are speaking out and urging us forward. We will seek every opportunity to listen, to learn, to advocate, and to change what must be changed in order to bring healing to our country. We do not underestimate the task that lies before us all; neither do we underestimate what can be accomplished when we are guided by love.

We are, we pray, at a turning-point as a nation. With the eyes of hope, we see a vision of a world in which everyone experiences justice and peace. We pledge to work toward that vision, in the name of the God who created us all, and in whose image we are each made.

Rev. Alida Ward, Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, FCA Convener Rev. Kun Sam Cho, Fairfield Grace United Methodist Church

Rev. Mark Christoffersen, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Rev. Curtis Farr, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Rev. Josh Feay, Black Rock Church

Rev. Peggy Hodgkins, Trinity Episcopal Church

Deacon Daniel Ianniello (ret.), St Thomas Aquinas Parish Rabbi Marcelo Kormis, Congregation Beth El

Rabbi Sarah Marion, Congregation B’nai Israel

Rev. Susan Owen, Dir. of Spiritual Care and Chaplain, Carolton

Rabbi James Prosnit, Congregation B’nai Israel (emeritus); Jewish Chaplain, Fairfield Univ.

Rev. Vanessa Rose, First Church Congregational

Rev. David Rowe, Greenfield Hill Congregational Church

Rabbi Evan Schultz, Congregation B’nai Israel Rev. David Spollett, First Church Congregational Rev. Dan Van Horne, Trinity Baptist Church

Rev. Paul Whitmore, Southport Congregational Church Rev. Laura Whitmore, Southport Congregational Church