In light of the information coming from the Virginia statehouse that has now touched and tainted the elected executive offices of the Governor, Lt. Governor, and the Attorney General, we deplore the blatantly racist acts that are depicted in yearbook pictures and other previous covert or unknown acts of bigotry. We also condemn sexual assault. These all play a part in fostering and upholding a political system that is oppressive, dysfunctional, and problematic. In a time when people are desperately yearning for positive moral leadership, we find these abuses of power to be both reprehensible and indefensible.
As a community of faith leaders who are committed to standing as witnesses for love, justice and unity, we continue to pray for the victims of white supremacy and sexual assault. We pray for their friends, their families, and for an end to these acts of violence and displays of bigotry. We pray for the Governor, Lt. Governor, and the Attorney General, and we also pray that they will work to create the space that is necessary for healing, learning, and growth.
We, the undersigned members of the Charlottesville Clergy Collective, affirm our calling to bring attention to, and address issues of, racial and social justice within our community. We strive to support marginalized and historically underserved populations, and partner with other leaders in and around our community. We also denounce any and all forms of racism, discrimination, bigotry, hatred, misogyny, and sexual abuse. We encourage all people, especially elected officials, to work towards building a community in which all people feel welcome, safe, nurtured, and fully included in our common life.
Signed,
Rev. Michael Cheuk, Charlottesville Clergy Collective
Pastor Brenda Brown-Grooms, New Beginnings Christian Community
Rev. Gene Locke, Parish Associate, Westminster Presbyterian Church
Rev. Dr. Jim Bundy, UCC clergy retired
Rev. Robert Lewis, Hinton Ave United Methodist Church
Pastor Steve Johnson, Oak Chapel Baptist Church
Gail Hyder Wiley, elder, Westminster Presbyterian Church
The Reverend B. Cass Bailey, Trinity Episcopal Church
Daniel S Alexander, Rabbi Emeritus, Congregation Beth Israel
Alvin Edwards, PhD and Pastor, Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church and President of the C.C.C.
Adam Slate, President, Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church-Unitarian Universalist
David K. Garth , Westminster Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville
Apostle Sarah A. Kelley, Faith, Hope and Love International Healing and Deliverance Center
The Rev. Carol Carruthers Sims, Episcopal Priest, Retired
Cynthia Power, Charlottesville Friends Meeting
Rev. Isaac Collins, Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church
Rev. Phil Woodson, First United Methodist Church
Manouchehr Mohajeri, a member of the Baha'i community in Albemarle County
Elizabeth Shillue, Charlottesville Friends Meeting
Rev. Will Brown, University Baptist Church
Rev. Maren Hange, Charlottesville Mennonite Church
Rev. Liz Hulme Adam, Tabor Presbyterian Church
Rev. Marilu J. Thomas, Christ Episcopal Church
Co-Pastor Elizabeth Emrey, New Beginnings Christian Community
William N. Ward, Jr., Pastor, Bethel Church of God in Christ
The Rev. Neal Halvorson-Taylor, Grace Church, Red Hill
Ann Marie Smith, IMCC
Susan Kaufman, Insight Meditation Community of Charlottesville
Rev. Dr. Susan A. Minasian
Harry Kennon, Retired, First United Methodist
Karen Foley
As a community of faith leaders who are committed to standing as witnesses for love, justice and unity, we continue to pray for the victims of white supremacy and sexual assault. We pray for their friends, their families, and for an end to these acts of violence and displays of bigotry. We pray for the Governor, Lt. Governor, and the Attorney General, and we also pray that they will work to create the space that is necessary for healing, learning, and growth.
We, the undersigned members of the Charlottesville Clergy Collective, affirm our calling to bring attention to, and address issues of, racial and social justice within our community. We strive to support marginalized and historically underserved populations, and partner with other leaders in and around our community. We also denounce any and all forms of racism, discrimination, bigotry, hatred, misogyny, and sexual abuse. We encourage all people, especially elected officials, to work towards building a community in which all people feel welcome, safe, nurtured, and fully included in our common life.
Signed,
Rev. Michael Cheuk, Charlottesville Clergy Collective
Pastor Brenda Brown-Grooms, New Beginnings Christian Community
Rev. Gene Locke, Parish Associate, Westminster Presbyterian Church
Rev. Dr. Jim Bundy, UCC clergy retired
Rev. Robert Lewis, Hinton Ave United Methodist Church
Pastor Steve Johnson, Oak Chapel Baptist Church
Gail Hyder Wiley, elder, Westminster Presbyterian Church
The Reverend B. Cass Bailey, Trinity Episcopal Church
Daniel S Alexander, Rabbi Emeritus, Congregation Beth Israel
Alvin Edwards, PhD and Pastor, Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church and President of the C.C.C.
Adam Slate, President, Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church-Unitarian Universalist
David K. Garth , Westminster Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville
Apostle Sarah A. Kelley, Faith, Hope and Love International Healing and Deliverance Center
The Rev. Carol Carruthers Sims, Episcopal Priest, Retired
Cynthia Power, Charlottesville Friends Meeting
Rev. Isaac Collins, Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church
Rev. Phil Woodson, First United Methodist Church
Manouchehr Mohajeri, a member of the Baha'i community in Albemarle County
Elizabeth Shillue, Charlottesville Friends Meeting
Rev. Will Brown, University Baptist Church
Rev. Maren Hange, Charlottesville Mennonite Church
Rev. Liz Hulme Adam, Tabor Presbyterian Church
Rev. Marilu J. Thomas, Christ Episcopal Church
Co-Pastor Elizabeth Emrey, New Beginnings Christian Community
William N. Ward, Jr., Pastor, Bethel Church of God in Christ
The Rev. Neal Halvorson-Taylor, Grace Church, Red Hill
Ann Marie Smith, IMCC
Susan Kaufman, Insight Meditation Community of Charlottesville
Rev. Dr. Susan A. Minasian
Harry Kennon, Retired, First United Methodist
Karen Foley
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