Greenwich Fellowship of Clergy Community Support Statement
The Greenwich Clergy Fellowship condemns the brutal killing of George Floyd, an African American man in Minneapolis. As people of faith, we believe that the Spirit of God breathes love down upon us so we may all have flourishing, meaningful lives. Mr. Floyd was denied this foundational right to live with his last words on earth “I can’t breathe.” We are reminded once again that our hope for equality in this nation is still not a reality for people of color. In the heartbreaking killing of Mr. Floyd we recognize that this is not an isolated incident as we acknowledge the systemic racism that still exists in our society. And yet we deplore those who would exploit righteous anger and nonviolent protests by inciting violence and vandalism.
The prophet Micah (6:8) exhorted “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” As clergy leadership in this community, we vow to seek justice as we stand up for and amplify the voices of people of color who have been marginalized and brutalized. We vow to love mercy as we share in God’s mercy that is freely given to all of us. We do this as we walk humbly before God, realizing that without God’s help we can do nothing. We commit to engaging in thoughtful and honest dialogue about racism in our community and country. We invite you to join us in seeking God’s justice as we act against racism and for reconciliation in our nation.
The Greenwich Fellowship of Clergy
The Rev’d. Stephanie M. Johnson, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
The Rev. Marek Zabriskie, Christ Church Greenwich
The Rev. Dr. Edward G. Horstmann, Senior Minister, Round Hill Community Church
The Rev. Dr. Heather Wright, Stanwich Congregational Church
The Rev’d. Ted Pardoe, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church
Rabbi Mitchell M. Hurvitz, Temple Sholom
The Rev. Carol Bloom, Diamond Hill United Methodist Church
Monsignor Alan Detscher, St. Catherine’s of Siena Church (former)
Rev Felix-Gerard Delatour, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC)
The Rev. Dr. Cheryl McFadden, Christ Church Greenwich
Rev. Ben Valentine, Trinity Church
Rev. Katie Evans, Trinity Church
Rev. Jake Kircher, Trinity Church
Rev. Andy Hayball, Trinity Church
Tiffany Faulstich, First Church of Christ, Scientist
Cantor Jill Abramson, Congregation Shir Ami
The Rev. Margaret Allred Finnerud, Greenwich Chaplaincy Services
Rabbi Jordie Gerson, Greenwich Reform Synagogue
Rev. Maxwell Grant, Second Congregational Church
Rev. Shawn Garan, Second Congregational Church
Rev. Joan Osgood, Chaplain
Rev Patrick Collins, The First Congregational Church of Greenwich
The Rev. Andre Castillo, First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich
Pastor Lloyd Syvertsen, Greenwich Baptist Church
