The recent killing of George Floyd has, once again, brought into clear focus the racism of our nation. Repeatedly, we hear of the shooting of African Americans: Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, to name only a few. As communities of faith, the Cape Henlopen Progressive Interfaith Alliance condemns these senseless killings.
We believe that racism is an insidious and vile threat in our nation and in the larger world. There are systems and structures in place in our country which allow racism to flourish, and they must be changed for this nation to begin to heal. We need to stop ignoring the devastating impact of racism on individuals, families, communities, and this country. We need to recognize that the disproportionate violence against Black and Brown people in our country diminishes all Americans.
Our faith communities have at their heart various convictions about being called to do good and love others. These are worded differently from tradition to tradition, but the heart of love is always present, especially love for strangers and those who are different from us. We are called to love and care for one another. Additionally, turning a blind eye to violence against others is a violation of that love and care. We are appalled when people use faith as an excuse for violence, and we reject that understanding.
While this most recent incident may have occurred at a distance from us, it impacts the lives of people everywhere. It impacts the lives of people here in Delaware. Racism is insidious and surfaces to surprise us time and time again. It is well past the time that we actively work with one another to bring about the kind of world we want to live in.
As communities of faith, we stand together insisting that the killings must stop. Enough is enough! We call on our governor, legislators, communities, and leaders to actively partner in transforming the systems and structures that contribute to the perpetuation of racism. Whether it is disproportionate acts of violence against black and brown people or their disproportionate suffering and death due to economic hardship and the health crises such as we have witnessed in this COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time to redress these horrible wrongs caused by a culture of racism. Our racism must be named, confronted, and dismantled. We want to tear down barriers that encourage us to see anyone as “other.” We choose, instead, to build bridges of healing and understanding.
Let us work together for peace and understanding.
Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, Metropolitan Community Church of Rehoboth Beach
Convenor of the Cape Henlopen Progressive Interfaith Alliance
Rev. Bob Life, Metropolitan Community Church of Rehoboth Beach
Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, Metropolitan Community Church of Rehoboth Beach
The Rev. Jeffery Ross, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
The Rev. Dr. Canon Mark Harris, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
The Rev. Carlyle Gill, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
The Rev. Ted Olson, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
The Rev. Ray Michener, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
The Rev. Deacon Chris Miller, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
Beth Cohen, Rabbi Emeritus Seaside Jewish Community
Rev. Chet Carbaugh, Interim Pastor of Safe Harbor UCC
Sandy Souder, Licensed Unity Teacher, Unity of Rehoboth Beach
Rev. Dr. Douglas L. Griffin, Interim Pastor, Westminster Presbyterian Church
Rev. Dr. Vicki Gordy-Stith, Epworth United Methodist Church
Rev. Dr. Michelle Collins, Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware
The Rev. Eunice Dunlap, Episcopal Parish of All Saints’ Church & St. George’s Chapel
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