The United Church of Christ has issued a warning to Conference Ministers and others to be on alert for attacks on liberal churches. Those supporting racial justice, LGBTQ equality, immigrant rights, economic rights, etc. may become targets of extremists.
The alert is based on threats made to various churches in advance of both promised rightwing extremist actions at state capitol buildings and at the upcoming inauguration. The alert particularly focuses on January 17-20.
Here is a link to a Newsweek brief story on this alert. Here is the UCC statement.
We do not think this is alarmist. We think it is a prudent warning.
Many of you may recall that a few months ago an historic Black church, Asbury United Methodist, in Washington DC was vandalized for its "Black Lives Matter" banner. The same happened in Sacramento, CA to a UCC church there.
This warning, while originating with UCC, is not limited to that denomination's churches. Any church that has promoted justice issues or possibly with congregations that are dominated by immigrants or people of color may also be vulnerable.
Clearly state capital cities are a prime area of concern, but any area that has encountered contentiousness, threats, or high levels of political action need also to be on alert.
We recommend contacting your local police department and noting this warning. As UCC recommends, those churches able to hold gatherings due to their COVID status, may wish to revert to online or other remote forms of worship from tomorrow through next week.
Blessings on all of you, part of our beloved community, with heartfelt prayers for your safety and for that of your churches and centers of worship. May all be safe from harm.
The alert is based on threats made to various churches in advance of both promised rightwing extremist actions at state capitol buildings and at the upcoming inauguration. The alert particularly focuses on January 17-20.
Here is a link to a Newsweek brief story on this alert. Here is the UCC statement.
We do not think this is alarmist. We think it is a prudent warning.
Many of you may recall that a few months ago an historic Black church, Asbury United Methodist, in Washington DC was vandalized for its "Black Lives Matter" banner. The same happened in Sacramento, CA to a UCC church there.
This warning, while originating with UCC, is not limited to that denomination's churches. Any church that has promoted justice issues or possibly with congregations that are dominated by immigrants or people of color may also be vulnerable.
Clearly state capital cities are a prime area of concern, but any area that has encountered contentiousness, threats, or high levels of political action need also to be on alert.
We recommend contacting your local police department and noting this warning. As UCC recommends, those churches able to hold gatherings due to their COVID status, may wish to revert to online or other remote forms of worship from tomorrow through next week.
Blessings on all of you, part of our beloved community, with heartfelt prayers for your safety and for that of your churches and centers of worship. May all be safe from harm.
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