Guest view: Bigotry shames the community

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Times of crisis, distress and violence too often expose our deeply held fears. People of faith share much in common: a desire for a peaceful world, respect for one another and a commitment to strive collaboratively to advance social justice and the common good. Current attempts to isolate and demonize our Muslim sisters and brothers violate the foundation of our shared beliefs.

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As an interfaith community, we must name and address the fears held by many Americans which place an undue threat and burden on our Muslim neighbors. Any words of bigotry, prejudice, narrow-mindedness and racial or religious intolerance bring shame to us and to our community. We must renew our commitment to seek more effective ways to protect and defend one another from words and actions that assault the safety, well-being and dignity of groups and individuals.

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The global refugee crisis and the acts of terror committed in this country and around the world demand our collective efforts and common prayers. Therefore, we will seek to stand shoulder to shoulder as agents of peace, justice, welcome and reconciliation. In our effort to denounce that which divides us, we plead for the spread of love and friendship among all our people.

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Imam Ilyas Anwar

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South Valley Islamic Community

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Rev. Dawn Boyd

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Gilroy United Methodist Church

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Rev. Robert S. Brocato

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St. Mary Catholic Church, Gilroy

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Jan Bernstein Chargin

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South Valley Unitarian Fellowship

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Rev. Patrick E. Davis

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Morgan Hill United Methodist Church

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Msgr. Jerónimo Gutierrez

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St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church, Morgan Hill

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Rev. Ronald E. Koch

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Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Gilroy

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Bishop Soren Koldewyn

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Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Morgan Hill

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Rabbi Debbie Israel

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Congregation Emeth, South Valley Jewish Community

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Father José Antonio Rubio

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St. Mary Catholic Church, Gilroy

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Rev. Dennis Tarr

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Morgan Hill Presbyterian Church

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Rev. Lee Tyler

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Advent Lutheran Church, Morgan Hill

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Rev. Anita R. Warner

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Advent Lutheran Church, Morgan Hill    

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Pandit Ganesh Shasthry
Silicon Valley Hindu Temple San Jose/San Martin