Members of the Wayland Clergy Association, including the Rev. Dr. Stephanie May, recently published a letter denouncing the rising anti-Muslim sentiments appearing in public and political discourse. Here is the text of that letter:
As religious leaders in our beloved community of Wayland, we join our voices together to denounce the recent anti-Muslim statements and sentiments that have been expressed by certain political candidates and by other sources in our country. We condemn in the strongest terms the call to ban all Muslims entry into the United States, and decry all statements that could lead to prejudicial treatment, violence or harm against our Muslim colleagues, friends, and neighbors.
Our nation has long championed religious freedom, and the opportunity to practice one’s faith without fear. So many of us are descendants of immigrants who sought refuge in this great country from religious persecution and war, and we all know the many blessings that peoples of all faiths have brought to our nation.
We stand united with the Islamic Center of our community, and call upon all residents of Wayland to stand with us to combat all forms of hatred and prejudice. Our faiths and the religious principles we share require nothing less.
Signed,
Rabbi Sally Finestone, Congregation Or Atid
Reverend James J. Laughlin, Pastor, Good Shepherd Parish
Sister Roberta Rzeznik SNDdeN, Pastoral Associate, Good Shepherd Parish
Geoff Higgins, Permanent Deacon, Good Shepherd Parish
Rev. Ted Crass, Community United Methodist Church
Rev. Dr. Stephanie May, The First Parish in Wayland
Rabbi Neal Gold, Temple Shir Tikva
Rabbi Jen Gubitz, Temple Shir Tikva
Rev. Jeffrey Johnson, Peace Lutheran Church
Rabbi Katy Allen, Ma’yan Tikvah