Intersecting Injustices: People of Faith are Speaking Out and Taking Action on Charlottesville
A week ago, white nationalists and neo-Nazis gathered in Charlottesville, VA, to march in defense of confederate statues and, more broadly, to promote an exclusive and limiting vision of America. Numerous people of faith and conscience came out to denounce hatred and white supremacy and to lift up a broader and more inclusive vision of our nation. Among them were numerous leaders who are also part of the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign, a national organization and coalition that educates, equips, networks and mobilizes faith communities to address anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States.
The events in Charlottesville illuminate the ways in which white supremacy and racism directly intersect with anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim bigotry. We stand together against hate and bigotry, and we will continue to work to realize our nation’s ideals of equality, equity, and inclusion.
Below is a collection of statements made by faith leaders and faith organizations throughout the country in response to the events in Charlottesville:
The United Church of Christ
US Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Union for Reform Judaism:
National Council of Churches:
The Islamic Society of North America encouraged American Muslims to dedicate Friday prayers to Charlottesville this week:
Presbyterian Church USA:
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
Interfaith Alliance:
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):
American Baptist Churches:
Unitarian Universalist Assembly:
Reconstructionist Rabbinical Assembly:
Reconstructionist Rabbinical College:
United Methodist Church:
T’ruah:
Reflections from T’ruah Rabbis who were there:
The Episcopal Church:
Sojourners:
Alliance of Baptists:
Church World Service:
“CWS works daily to live out the gospel call to lift up people who have been marginalized by a system that perpetuates inequality. We have seen an excess in hateful rhetoric within our politics that has led to a rise in xenophobia and racism in this country as manifested this weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia. CWS condemns the evil of racism and white supremacy and calls upon all people of faith to offer prayers and join the effort of faith communities from all traditions in working for reconciliation, healing and racial justice in Charlottesville and beyond.”
HIAS:
