A STATEMENT AGAINST DIVISIVE DISCOURSE

Our Open Episcopal Church is a member of the ICCC.

INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF COMMUNITY CHURCHES

The Board of Trustees

A Statement of Concern Regarding Divisive Discourse

In Pennsylvania a judge has ruled that blatantly anti-Muslim ads be permitted placement on public transportation vehicles.  In nations worldwide, notably in those nations in Africa and Asia served by churches of the International Council of Community Churches, the rhetoric of bigotry by those who claim that they are “defending” their own religious traditions has issued into widespread violence and even murder. It is important that people of faith speak clearly to the immorality of malignant hatred.

Bigotry anywhere is offensive everywhere, and as Christians we give witness to the Biblical teaching that all people are children of God. Jesus did not assign greater or lesser dignity to individuals based on society’s norms   Indeed, Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). 

As servant leaders in our communities and throughout our nations, we of the International Council of Community Churches have a shared responsibility to increase understanding among all of people.  We have seen too much hostility and violence based on real and perceived difference among people throughout the world.

While we affirm the protection of free speech, we call on the members of our own congregations, on all people both people of faith, and those of no faith at all, to join us in opposing intolerance; to take a stand in the face of divisive rhetoric; to embrace our diverse voices; to stand in solidarity with those who might otherwise be alienated; and thus to effect positive change.

  

We call upon all people to be aware of name-calling, bullying, physical violence, and other forms of harassment, and not to remain silent about such abuse, but to speak the truth in love. We call upon all to condemn inflammatory messages that seek to divide, stigmatize and incite prejudices. We call upon all to reject efforts to stereotype any tradition or community. We call on all to work for justice, reconciliation and unity within our own faith communities, in our vocations and economic life, and in the broader discourse within our cities and towns, our states and our nations.

For the Boards,

Dick Griffith, President
Don Ashmall, Council Minister

    International Council of Community Churches

21116 Washington Parkway  Frankfort, IL 60423

Phone: 815/464-5690    

Fax: 815/464-5692

Website:  www.icccusa.com