Revs. Kent Matthies (left) and Daniel Gregoire stand along the Unitarian Society of Germantown’s sign on Lincoln Drive proudly displaying a message of support for “our Muslim neighbors.” The …
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Revs. Kent Matthies (left) and Daniel Gregoire stand along the Unitarian Society of Germantown’s sign on Lincoln Drive proudly displaying a message of support for “our Muslim neighbors.” The church put up the message to echo a statement the church had made on the subject:
This is a statement from Philadelphia Area Unitarian Universalist Clergy:
“As Unitarian Universalist faith leaders in Pennsylvania, we condemn the proliferation of hateful speech and actions directed at members of the Muslim community. We find the recent desecration of the Al-Aqsa Islamic Society in Philadelphia particularly abhorrent. Our faith proclaims the inherent worth and dignity of each person and the free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We value the wide diversity of religious beliefs held by others and oppose any attempt to limit or undermine the religious practices of any faith tradition.
“The rhetoric in our public square has become increasingly divisive and virulent. We urge all Pennsylvanians to actively oppose those who seek to demean or degrade the members of any religious or ethnic group. It is our duty as Americans, regardless of faith or creed, to speak up and speak out against those who seek to demonize an entire people.
“During this season of hope and light, may we all extend ourselves in kindness, generosity, and hospitality. May we open our hearts and our minds to all those we encounter, whether or not they share our own beliefs. Let us seek, within our diversity, a unity that binds us together as an open, inclusive, and civil society."