Statement regarding Brookline May 2026 Elections

Statement by the Brookline Clergy Association regarding Brookline May Elections

“Love your neighbor as yourself…” (Leviticus 19:18)

As members of the Brookline Interfaith Clergy Association, we have consistently spoken out against intolerance in our community. We have raised our voices in response to moments of antisemitism, anti-Muslim rhetoric, racial discrimination, LGBTQ+ discrimination, and all forms of hatred in our town. We are deeply proud of the great diversity that defines our community and are dedicated to affirming our shared commitment to dignity and respect for all.

In this election season, we are witnessing a public discourse that has, at times, become harmful and deeply uncivil. This has been a difficult campaign for many in our community. We see it in social media posts and responses, and we hear it in public meetings. Disagreement is natural—and even necessary—in a healthy democracy. But too often, it has crossed into personal attacks and rhetoric that diminishes one another’s humanity.

As clergy, we stand firmly against all forms of hatred—toward Muslims, Jews, Christians, LGBTQ+ individuals, and every member of our community. Every person deserves to be valued and treated with dignity and kindness.

We believe we can, and must, do better. We can hold strong differences of opinion while still treating one another with decency. We can engage passionately without abandoning civility. At the end of the day, we are all neighbors. We share this town, and we share a responsibility for the kind of community we create together.

We encourage all residents to participate in the democratic process and to vote. We call upon our community to reject personal attacks, to speak with care, and to engage in discourse rooted in respect and our shared humanity.

Brookline Interfaith Clergy Association

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