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The Rev. Anthony Lorenzen of Hopedale Unitarian Parish in Massachusetts joined with clergy of other local churches to share a public interfaith statement opposing bigotry in all forms. The letter states in part: “We pledge to rebuke and rebuff those who create discord by demeaning and attacking others. We promise to work together to protect and defend all who may be targeted because of who they are." (Worcester Telegram – 11.26.16)
Unitarian Universalists in Lawton, Oklahoma, are supporting their local Muslim community as they respond to ugly vandalism that occurred recently at the Islamic Center of Lawton. The Oklahoma Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations is now calling on the FBI to investigate what it's calling a hate crime. (kswo.com – 12.9.16)
More coverage:
Lawton Churches Support Islamic Center after Possible Hate Crime (KDFX.com – 12.9.16)
The Unitarian Universalist Society of Greater Springfield, Massachusetts, is considering official designation as a sanctuary congregation. They are already collecting donations for refugees at their church. They join a larger interfaith movement of 450 churches across the country offering to provide sanctuary to immigrants. (WWLP.com – 12.9.16)
An interfaith group organized by Unitarian Universalists in Quebec has prepared to sponsor three Syrian refugee families, but they have been frustrated by unexpected delays. While they await paperwork from the United Arab Emirates, members of Summerlea Refugee Support Coalition are raising funds for the families. The Unitarian Church of Montreal welcomed a nine-member Syrian family late last month. (Montreal Gazette -12.13.16)