Church Fire a Crime Directed at Us All
The American Baha’i community, composed of members who belong to a variety of races and ethnic groups, recoils in horror from the acts of arson perpetrated against black and multiracial churches in the United States. Whether committed by demented individuals or malevolent terrorist conspirators, these acts are directed at all humanity, for humanity is one.
We believe that attacks against black churches are not about religion. They are ugly manifestations of ingrained racism, and racism, as we have said elsewhere, “is an affront to human dignity, a cause of hatred and division, a disease that devastates society.”
The Baha’i community has struggled for more than 100 years to help eradicate racism and build an America where all are equal no matter what their race. We express our deepest sympathy to the immediate victims of bigotry and hate. We feel their pain and share their sorrow. We also know that our brothers and sisters whose churches have been destroyed are not the only victims. This entire nation has been hurt and diminished by the malice of a few.
CHARLES HOWARD
Chairman,
Spiritual Assembly of Baha’is
Ventura
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