[Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts] We condemn the hatred behind Saturday’s gathering in Charlottesville of white supremacists, neo-Nazis and other purveyors of bigotry, which is equally un-American and un-ChristianWe affirm, with the bishops of Virginia, that as followers of Christ “we have been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) … [and] cannot remain silent in the face of those who seek to foment division.”

We pray with and for those who have sought to maintain peaceful witness in Charlottesville. In the face of continuing volatility there, all congregations are urged to pray on Sunday for peace, and for the courage to maintain our gospel ideals in the face of racism, anti-Semitism and all forms of hate-mongering.

The Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates
Bishop