As Tucson area clergy committed to love, inclusion, and justice, we unite to condemn the racist vandalism that occurred at the Sonoran Science Academy on February 1. We are angry and sad, though not surprised, to see this sort of hateful action that does violence to our hearts and minds taking place in our community where diversity is celebrated and many have intentionally worked to know and appreciate neighbors from different backgrounds, orientations, religions, and races.
Our creation story tells us that God created humankind in God’s image. All of us, regardless of our race, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ethnicity are reflections of the Divine, breathed into being by the same Spirit of a Loving God. Sharing in this common love and Spirit, we are committed to love our neighbors as ourselves no matter who they are or where they are from. One way we understand this love in action comes from the Biblical prophets who call us to remove the chains of injustice, undo the ropes of bondage, and let the oppressed go free.
Because we believe we are all created in God’s image and likeness, we stand deeply committed to stand against oppression. We, as faith leaders, condemn racism and hate crimes locally and across our nation and we stand committed to build relationships and do the difficult work of breaking barriers across all lines of difference. We are committed to support and empower all people in Tucson and Pima County to live together in peace and without fear because we know and respect one another.
We cannot attain that peace as long as incidents like the hateful action on February 1 continue. Therefore, we are taking a stand against this white supremacist act that seeks to intimidate and sow fear here in Tucson and Pima County. We ask all people of faith and conscience to join us in denouncing all white supremacist actions, including vandalism, physical violence or verbal intimidation. We ask that you stand in solidarity with all our neighbors who embody and seek beloved community here. We encourage each of us to practice the fullness of love that “casts out fear,” (1 John 4:18). Let us together be bold in love, inclusion, creativity, and justice for all.
We pray for and support our local leaders who hold the perpetrators of this racist vandalism accountable. The perpetrators of such hateful acts need to know the consequences of these violations committed against our neighbors. We pray for repentance from the vandals, who believe they can desecrate the Divine Love given to each of us at creation and lessen the human dignity of our neighbors.
White supremacy and racist actions undermine and actively destroy peace, safety, and possibilities for unity. We believe committed love is greater than intimidation and fear. We know that peace, safety and unity cannot come to our community without accountability and justice for all. We will continue to speak, teach and act through our lives committed to love and justice for all. We ask that you join.
The Rev. Michael Lonergan
Pastor, Church of the Painted Hills, UCC
The Rev. Michael Bush
Senior Minister, Casas Adobes Congregational United Church of Christ
The Rev. Seth Wispelwey
Interim Pastor, Rincon Congregational UCC
The Rev. Drew Terry
Pastor, Oro Valley UCC
The Rev. Dr. William M. Lyons
United Church of Christ Southwest Conference Minister
The Rev. Bart Smith,
Lead Pastor, St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church
The Rev. Steve Keplinger, Rector
Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
The Rev. Randy Mayer
Pastor, The Good Shepherd, UCC
Rev. Taylor Burgoyne, Pastor
Eastside Covenant Church
The Reverend Alison Harrington
Pastor, Southside Presbyterian Church
The Rev. Kristina Schlabach, Shalom Mennonite Fellowship
The Rev. Ailsa R. Guardiola Gonzalez,
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
The Rev. Rebecca McElfresh
Minister of Pastoral Care and Spiritual Growth, The Good Shepherd, UCC
The Rev. Carol Rose
Co-Pastor, Shalom Mennonite Fellowship