My Dear Colleagues and Sisters of Faith,
You recently received hate mail that threatened you and your children and denied the righteousness of your calling. We wanted to let you know how sorry we are and tell you that we strongly support you and your calling. We are appalled by, and strongly condemn, the ones who use scare-tactics in words and deeds, to silence those they fear.
There have always been women of faith, born with hot coals in our mouths calling us to speak, sparks in our hearts calling us to gather the beloved into community, and calm certainties in our souls calling us to be about the business of Peace in this world.
Too often there have been those, who, in ignorance and fear, using intimidation and threats of violence, have tried to deny the righteousness of our calling. One of them has targeted you, and we will not be silenced.
We are women religious leaders from a variety of traditions in the Susquehanna Valley in Central Pennsylvania. We stand with you and call upon all women of Spirit, Heart and Reason to do the same, whatever our tradition. We call upon
all those who support our mission to not only to sign but to speak up
whenever women's callings are denigrated or threatened; to celebrate the
different focus we can offer the spiritual journey; and to pray with you and work to protect you and your families.
Your love and calling are important to this world and to us.
We pray with you and celebrate your work — and the work of all our female colleagues, called to serve.
In Peace,
Sonia Ammar, Vice President Sunbury Mosque
Dai-En Bennage, Abbess at Mt. Equity Zendo
Rev. Ann Keeler Evans, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Susquehanna
Valley
Rev. Rebecca Foote, Minister Emeritus, Beaver Memorial Church UMC
Rabbi Nina Mandel, Congregation Beth El
