Massachusetts Faith Leaders Speak Out

More than 175 clergy & lay faith leaders from across Massachusetts gathered at the State House for a public action combining prayer, moral witness & civic engagement in response to growing federal threats to immigrant communities & other protected residents in the Commonwealth. The gathering organized by Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN) in collaboration with other partners including Massachusetts Board of Rabbis & Prayers for Liberty came in solidarity with fellow faith leaders of the Faith in Action network in Minnesota & other states which have stepped forward with public prayer & leadership amid escalating federal enforcement actions. MCAN faith leaders stress this moment of witnessing Minneapolis calls for preparation, not panic & for leadership. Mark A. Nilson, Pastor of Salem Covenant Church in Worcester stated, "Each (of us) has been given the gift of life. Thus, when hate is unleashed, each (of us) has a moral imperative to honor, protect & safeguard any life that is threatened, terrorized or taken. There is no other option; there are no bystanders. Humanity is in it together, or we perish together." Participating in solidarity with Minneapolis clergy were Rev. Rebecca Bryan, First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist in Newburyport, MCAN Clergy Leader from MCAN affiliate Merrimack Valley Project (MVP), Pastor Emmanuel (Manny) Daphnis, Restoration Community Church & MCAN Clergy Leader from MCAN affiliate Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC), Rabbi David Jaffe, KIRVA, MCAN Clergy Leader from MCAN affiliate Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC), Rev. Aaron Payson, Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, MCAN Clergy Leader from MCAN affiliate Worcester Interfaith (WI), Sister Melinda Pellerin, Sisters of St. Joseph, MCAN Clergy Leader from MCAN affiliate Pioneer Valley Project (PVP - Springfield) & others.

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