Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago

THE DEFAMING OF ANSHE SHOLOM B'NAI ISRAEL

RESOLUTION PASSED BY

THE COUNCIL OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF METROPOLITAN CHICAGO

AND

THE CHURCH FEDERATION OF GREATER CHICAGO

ON SEPTEMBER 9, 1987 WITH REGARD TO

THE DEFAMING OF ANSHE SHOLOM B'NAI ISRAEL,

540 WEST MELROSE, CHICAGO, Illinois 60657

We have learned of the criminal acts which have occurred in the Lakeview community of our city. We are saddened and anguished that a place of worship has been defaced and profaned. We are dismayed that a religious and cultural tradition and a people among us have been assaulted by hatred and prejudice once again. We speak as members of the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago and we are representative of many faith communities in this city. We deplore this evil that has visited our community. Prejudice and religious, racial or ethnic bigotry diminishes all of us and destroys the genuine possibilities for fairness, equity and hope among us.

The lack of respect, the loss of reverence, the emotional poverty, fear and insecurity that gives root to such evil, if left unchallenged and uncountered, can produce a vicious and tragic dynamic which can destroy us all.

We are one family of humankind. God has given us diverse gifts and backgrounds. Let us rejoice in the diversity of our people and their traditions. Let us honor our particular faiths as we honor and accept each other. Let us build a community of fairness, justice, peace and opportunity for all.