Just one week ago, the horror of political violence tore our nation’s fabric once again. Since that day, rhetoric of war, threats of retribution, and the blatant suppression of free speech has hung like a cudgel over our society. Many of us are feeling frightened, angry and wary as the future of our democracy seems increasingly uncertain.
I wanted to reach out because I share your feelings. Most importantly, I want you to understand how valuable and appreciated you are, just as you are, as part of the Interfaith Alliance community and to America. I encourage you to take care of yourself in whatever way gives you life, comfort and strength right now. Hold your loved ones, laugh with a friend, seek out nature, make art, and nurture your spirit.
And if you can, reach out to your community – let them know you care for them, join together for coffee or a meal and find strength in the love of your neighbor. Autocracy thrives on isolation and division. We need to lean even more into our communities and remember that none of us is ever alone.
Let me also assure you that even in this shadowed time, there is brilliant light breaking forth. The Interfaith Alliance team has been in Louisville, Cleveland, Des Moines, Boise and Dallas over the past week. In each of these places we have gathered alongside and helped to convene remarkable people from diverse faiths and beliefs who are showing up for one another and their communities, developing solidarity across differences and working to build a future in which each person is able to thrive with full dignity and respect.
Even in locations where the threat of Christian nationalism and the violence of extremist militias felt the most pressing, people showed up with amazing courage. The root of courage is the latin word “Cor,” for heart. Love is at the root of courage. And heart is at the root of all we do at Interfaith Alliance.
Although we are in a terrible moment in our country, it is certainly not without precedent. The civil rights movement was also a time of terrible violence and danger, when forces of bigotry and repression sought to crack down on those pursuing progress and justice – yet people joined together with courage to resist oppression and live their values. That kind of courage is needed again in our time. As the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote “Courage is an inner resolution to go forward despite obstacles. Cowardice is submissive surrender to circumstances. Courage breeds creativity.”
We are seeing incredible creativity, energy and determination from Interfaith Alliance members, affiliates, partners and networks right now – people like you. I am so grateful for you and your courage at this moment. Courage is contagious and we look forward to joining you in our collective work to continue to achieve our democracy together now – now and in the critical months and years to come.
Yours,
Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush
President and CEO, Interfaith Alliance