Presbytery of Philadelphia Stands Against Hate and Violence

It was a powerful way to embark on our Lenten journey as the Presbytery of Philadelphia joined hundreds of men, women, youth and children on Independence Mall in an affirmation to stand against hate in our city and elsewhere. Yesterday’s rally was organized by Jewish leadership in direct response to the desecration of the Mt. Carmel cemetery and the bomb threats made to Jewish day schools across the nation. Representatives of the Jewish community along with more than thirty different faiths and denominations were joined by the Governor, the Attorney General and our Philadelphia Mayor in an act of solidarity. As the current cultural messages continue to focus on a diversity that tears us apart, the religious leaders of the Interfaith Coalition of Greater Philadelphia were sending another message. That message is one that reaffirms our commitment to stand with one another across all that would divide us. We understand that when one of us is experiencing pain because of bigotry, injustice or violence – it impacts all of us. Jewish, Islamic and Roman Catholic leaders spoke on behalf of the religious coalition as many other faith leaders stood in witness alongside them. Presbyterians were well-represented on that Mall yesterday. One could not help but notice the words of President George Washington – legible from almost every corner of the Mall, reminding us of a founding value of our nation – “Happily the government of the United States gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.”