11 December 2015
An Open Letter
From the Unitarian Universalist Clergy
Of Orange County, Long Beach, & Rancho Palos Verdes
Dear ones,
We are writing to call your attention to a grave injustice, and to ask your help in addressing it.
Not that many years ago Catholics were seen as some “other” who could not be good Americans. More recently Jews suffered many insults and abuses because they did not belong to the dominant faith, again they were seen as the “other.” However, good people rallied to stand with them, and they have become so integrated into the fabric of our country it would be unimaginable without them.
Today we are seeing the same sort of prejudice, and on occasion, dreadful acts of violence directed at Muslims. They are our contemporary “other.” These are our neighbors, co-workers, and often, our friends. They serve in every branch of our American military. They are doctors, and lawyers, police officers, nurses, teachers, and social workers. They are us.
Now, because of the actions of a few, some current American politicians and others fan the sparks of fear and hatred against the whole faith community. And, in response people of good will must stand up and speak out. Many already have. Some citing the haunting words of Pastor Martin Niemoller, have asked who will stand with them?
It is time to answer that question. We do. We the Unitarian Universalist clergy of Orange County, Long Beach, and Rancho Palos Verdes do.
And now we ask you to do so, as well.
In a faith in a love beyond all beliefs,
The Rev. Summer Albayati
A.J. Blackwood (Ministerial Candidate)
The Rev. Jason Cook
The Rev. James Ishmael Ford
The Rev. Stephen Furrer
The Rev. Mitra Rahnema
The Rev. Lee Marie Sanchez
The Rev. Karen Stoyanoff
The Rev. Sian Wiltshire
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