A Statement from the Brookline Clergy Association on the State of Political Discourse.
The separation of church and state is an important value in American society. For this reason, religious leaders and institutions generally avoid becoming embroiled in solely political matters. When, however, the political conversation moves beyond the confines of what is civil into open hostility, then it is becomes necessary and urgent for religious leaders to respond.
There is a worrying trend this election year. Political speech has become increasingly intolerant and even in some cases marked by calls for violence. Racism, bigotry, misogyny, and religious prejudice should not become common currency in U.S. politics. Many Americans are expressing dissatisfaction with government. But a desire to see change must not become an excuse for intolerance, for blaming immigrants or religious minorities for the nation’s problems. Moving beyond political correctness should never mean leaving behind common decency.
The scriptures call to us again and again to love the foreigner, to accept the alien among us. And yet that open-armed expectation can be pushed aside when fear and anxiety arise in our hearts. The command to love can be shouted down, the fires of outrage kindled by reckless appeals to the lowest of human instincts. Understandable frustrations become justifications for inexcusable behavior, the misdirected concerns of angry voters landing on handy scapegoats.
The United States was proudly built upon fundamental freedoms of speech, religion, and assembly. Those freedoms come with responsibilities, such as a concern for the common good of the wider society and the neighbor next door. And those same inalienable rights belong to all, including those who are new to this country, those who are different from us. Anxiety and anger should not be excuses for hate to make its way into our public or private lives. We pray that reason and compassion will guide our nation in this election season and that God will guide us always.
This letter is offered on behalf of the Brookline Clergy Association and those clergy members signing. It should not be considered a statement by any other religious organization or denomination.
Rev. Mark Caggiano
Rev. Joel Ives
Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman
Rev. Eliza Blanchard
Rabbi Andrew Vogel
Rabbi Moshe Waldoks
Rev. Jeff Mello
Rabbi Rachel Silverman
Rabbi Sonia Saltzman
Rabbi Claudia Kreiman
Fr. Brian Clary
Cantor Randall Schloss
Rev. Joshua Throneburg
Rev. Dr. Richard Burden
Rev. Kent French
Rev. Rebecca Bryan
Rev. Maria Cristina Vlassidis Burgoa
Rev. Megan C. Holding
Rev. Alisa Joyce
Rev. MaryHelen Gunn
