To the editor:

During the past few months, we have received a number of letters — some signed, some anonymous — questioning our communities’ support for “Black Lives Matter,” a grass roots, multi-racial coalition dedicated to racial justice, criminal justice reform, fairness, and dignity for all.

As these concerns touch all of us deeply, we recognize that the lingering effects of slavery and racism have plagued our nation since its inception, and that these issues continue to roil our society today.

However, since the horrifying murder of George Floyd this past Memorial Day, our religious communities could no longer stand back in silence. From the laws of Moses to the exhortations of the Prophets to the deeds of Jesus, our texts and traditions require us to stand in strength with the impoverished, the marginalized, and the most vulnerable among us. Indeed, the command that both Jews and Christians share is to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Leviticus 19:18. This clearly has not happened. For far too long our neighbors have been denied their most basic rights, and now we must work together - as partners - to redress these inequities.

We understand that this work isn’t easy, and that progress doesn’t always happen in a straight line. But we also know that the arc of history is long, and in the words of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr, “it bends toward justice.” Accordingly, we will continue to advocate for Black Lives Matter through our sermons, silent vigils, lawn signs, and adult education courses on white privilege and implicit bias. We will continue to challenge our congregants and community and ask them to examine how their privilege has impacted their lives and the lives of others. And as men and women of faith, we will try to affirm – by our deeds – that all of our neighbors, regardless of their race or class, were created in the image of God.

As this tragic year finally draws to a close, we join together in prayer and hope for a blessed (and safe) holiday season and a better, more just year in 2021.

In peace,

Rev. Dale Azevedo

Sr. Minister, Barrington Congregational Church (UCC)

Rev. Patrick J. Greene

Rector, St. John's Episcopal Church

Rev. Linda Hartley

Assoc. Minister, Barrington Congregational Church (UCC)

Heidi Kelley

Sr. Warden, Saints Matthew & Mark Episcopal Church

Rev. Patrick W. Notley

Pastor, Barrington Presbyterian Church

Rev. Andrew Simon

Pastor, St. James Lutheran Church (ELCA)

Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman

Temple Habonim