As members of the Wayland Interfaith Leaders Association, we are saddened and appalled to witness the increase in anti-Asian racism and violence over the last year in America, reaching a nadir with the terrorist attack in Georgia.
We share in the pain of the Asian American community at the unnecessary loss of life and offer our condolences to the friends and families of the victims of Tuesday’s attack. Recognizing the increased fear and anxiety that the Asian American community is currently feeling, we offer our support and our desire to stand together in solidarity with members of the Asian American community. We declare in a united voice that hate, xenophobia, and violence must be opposed and rejected.
We recognize that Tuesday’s attacks did not occur in a vacuum but emerge within long legacies of anti-Asian racism in the U.S., including a rise of racism and violence during the pandemic. Our religious traditions all affirm our connections to one another in shared humanity and recognize the ways we can harm one another in word and deed, fanning flames of hatred and bigotry that too often have violent consequences. With our words today we offer condolences and comfort, support and solidarity to our Asian American siblings.  May we act together in ways that promote a more loving and just world.
In solidarity,
Janot Mendler de Suarez, Baha’is of Wayland
Rev. Rebecca Cho, Community United Methodist
Rabbi Louis Polisson, Congregation Or Atid
Rev. Dr. Stephanie May, First Parish in Wayland
Alex Jensen, First Parish in Wayland
Fr. David O’Leary, Good Shepherd Parish
Amer Syed, Islamic Center of Boston, Wayland
Pastor Jeff Johnson, Peace Lutheran Church
Rabbi Danny Burkeman, Temple Shir Tikva
Rabbi Jordana Schuster Battis, Temple Shir Tikva
Cantor Hollis Schachner, Temple Shir Tikva
Rabbi Katy Z. Allen, Ma’yan Tikvah