Multi-faith, multi-race clergy group speaks with one voice: Truth and healing belong to all

(Printed on October 28, 2020, in the Montgomery Advertiser)

On October 27, 2018, eleven worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue, in Pittsburgh, were murdered. A few days later, in response, Montgomery clergy of different faiths and races, representing the larger community, gathered to participate in a memorial service. This event was the catalyst for the formation of a multi-faith/multi-race clergy group.

Our goal, in unified fashion, and in partnership with Interfaith Montgomery, is to give voice and encourage action, for the well-being of all the citizens of Montgomery. We have learned, through nearly two years of conversation, that truth and healing are not the purview of a single faith group, but are inherent in them all. We strongly hold to the idea that lasting justice, and respect, will only be achieved through the partnership of the whole. We know that ours is a prophetic challenge: to point out failure when it is due; to raise our voices in protest, even rebuke, when required; to act to repair, to fix, to comfort, and to re-imagine a Montgomery that no longer fosters racial inequity; to set things right for future generations.

We call upon all of Montgomery’s religious leaders to engage their communities in study, singularly, and in tandem with different faith congregations: in conversation, in guided action on the issues of racial, social, and economic justice, while setting-aside parochial religious attitudes that claim exclusive answers.

We, the undersigned, are committed to speaking in one voice and with one purpose, guided by our different faith traditions, united in the work of racial, economic, social, and political justice.

Senior Pastor Steven Huntley, True Divine Baptist Church

Rev. Lynn Hopkins, U.U. Fellowship

Pastor Richard Williams, Metropolitan UMC 

Senior Pastor Jay Cooper, First United Methodist Church

Rev. Candice Frazer, Church of the Ascension

Pastor Quentin Q Byrd, Freewill Baptist Church

Rev. Raymonda Speller, Community Congregation UCC

Rev. Cromwell Handy, Dexter Ave. King Memorial Baptist Church

Senior Pastor Brian Miller, Aldersgate UMC

Father Manuel Williams, Resurrection Catholic Church 

Rev. Elizabeth O’Neill, Immanuel Presbyterian Church

Senior Pastor Courtney Meadows, Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church 

Aya Zaied, Interfaith Coordinator, East Montgomery Islamic Society

Pastor Edward Nettles, Emeritus, Freewill Baptist Church

Rev. Shane Isner, First Christian Church

Pastor Gary Burton, Pintlala Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Agnes Lover, St. Paul AME

Rabbi Scott Kramer, AIEA Synagogue

Eileen Knott, Member, Baha’i Spiritual Assembly

Rev. Valtoria Jackson, St. Peter AME

Rabbi Scott Looper, Temple Beth Or