​Last week, Charlottesville High School responded to a hate-filled online post that threatened a shooting and “ethnic cleansing” against black and Hispanic students at the school. We, the members of the Charlottesville Clergy Collective, decry this act of hate that terrorized the school district’s students, teachers, staff and families, and closed city schools for two days. 

We are grateful for the work of the law enforcement community in apprehending the teen suspect from Albemarle county, ending a period of fear and allowing students to return to school.   And, we are grateful for the work of Charlottesville City Schools in prioritizing the protection of students and staff during those uncertain days.

We resonate with Charlottesville City Police Chief RaShall Brackney when she said: “We want the community and the world to know that hate is not welcomed in Charlottesville.”

We also echo the sentiment of Charlottesville City School Superintendent Dr. Rosa Atkins: “We do not tolerate hate or racism. … [We] stand in solidarity with our students of color ... [A] threat against one is a threat against all.” 

In addition, we commend the establishment of a Police Civilian Review Board to address systemic injustice and to promote accountability and mutual trust between the community and the police. We are also heartened by Charlottesville City Schools’ outreach to neighborhoods and houses of worship to address racial inequity in public education.

We, the undersigned members of the Charlottesville Clergy Collective, commit ourselves to work for racial equity and to pray for all who were affected by this incident and worked for its resolution, especially the African American and Latinx students who were specifically singled out as targets.  As a community of faith leaders, we are committed to standing as witnesses for love, justice, and unity. We will continue to work for an end to racial hate and violence.

Signed,

​Rev. Will Brown, University Baptist Church
The Rev Dr Harry Kennon
Rabbi Rachel Schmelkin, Congregation Beth Israel
Steve Johnson, Oak Chapel Baptist Church
Pastor Sarah A. Kelley, Faith, Hope And Love Church
Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Emrey, New Beginnings Christian Community 
Rev. Dr. Albert Connette, Olivet Presbyterian Church
Rev. Rabia Povich, Inayati Sufi Order, Charlottesville
Rev. Liz Hulme Adam, Tabor Presbyterian Church
Rev. Dr. Jill Duffield, Cove Presbyterian Church
Manouchehr Mohajeri, Baha'i Faith
Rev. Sandra  J. Wisco, Lutheran (ELCA)
Rev. Dr. Michael Cheuk

Religious hate has no place in the United States, New Zealand or elsewhere. We stand in solidarity with the Muslim communities that experienced the traumatic shooting caused by hate, and we uphold the value that all people have the right to participate in the religion (or no religion) of their choice.

Members of the Charlottesville Clergy Collective know first-hand the impact white-supremacist hate can have on a community. As interfaith leaders, we pray for the healing of the Muslim communities in Christchurch, New Zealand. We mourn your loss. We extend our sympathy to the family members and friends whose beloved ones’ lives were cut short in this tragic shooting. We call for a renewed commitment to mutual respect and understanding, that all may learn to honor the diversity of creation, the diverse expressions of devotion, and the sacredness of human life.

We, the undersigned members of the Charlottesville Clergy Collective, affirm our calling to bring attention to, and address issues of racial, religious, and social justice. As a community of faith leaders we are committed to standing as witnesses for love, justice, and unity. We will continue to pray and work for an end to this senseless hate and violence.

Signed,

Rev. Dr. Eugene T. Locke, Parish Associate, Westminster Presbyterian Church
Rev. Robert Lewis, Hinton Avenue United Methodist Church
Rev. Liz Hulme Adam, Tabor Presbyterian Church
Rev. Sandra J. Wisco, Lutheran (ELCA)
Pastor Sarah A. Kelley, Faith, Hope and Love Church
Gail Hyder Wiley, elder, Westminster Presbyterian Church
Manouchehr Mohajer, Baha'i Faith
Harry Kennon, First United Methodist Church
Dr. Elizabeth Emrey, New Beginnings Christian Community
Rev. Erik Walker Wikstrom, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Charlottesville
Rev. Dr. Alvin Edwards
Rev. Don Lansky & Rev. Patricia Gulino Lansky, Unity of Charlottesville
Rev. Dr. Jill Duffield, Cove Presbyterian Church
Rev. Marilu Thomas, Assoc. Rector Christ Episcopal Church
Adam Slate, President, Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church-Unitarian Universalist
Rev. Dr. David K. Garth, Westminster Presbyterian
Rev. Mildred Best, Mount Zion First African Baptist Church
Rev. Will Brown, University Baptist Church
Rev. Maren Hange, Charlottesville Mennonite Church
Rev. Rabia Povich, Charlottesville Inayati Sufi Order
Susan Kaufman, Insight Meditation Community of Charlottesville
Ann Marie Smith, Insight Meditation Community of Charlottesville
Rev. Dr. Jim Bundy retired clergy, United Church of Christ
Sharon Beckman-Brindley, Insight Meditation Community of Charlottesville
Rev. Dr. Michael Cheuk, Charlottesville Clergy Collective
​Gayle Jessup White
Rev. Nick Deere, Broadus Memorial Baptist Church
Rabbi Emeritus Daniel Alexander, Congregation Beth Israel
Rev. Carol Sims, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

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