If the attack on the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, broke your heart causing you to wonder about the future of our fragile democracy, then, our future as a democratic people is affirmed. Indifference would be complicity; outrage is the measure of our solidarity. Suddenly, our political differences faded as we witnessed the violence enabled by some of those charged to defend and protect our Constitution.

 

The Interfaith Peace Project condemns the actions of the right-wing extremists who would subvert our American way of Government for their own misguided and twisted ideologies. They and their actions do not represent America and, hopefully, their influence in the future of our society will fade in light of their hateful deeds and spiteful rhetoric. The people of the United States are waking up to a new day dedicated to liberty and justice for all. The violence of the few reminds us of the vision of the many. We have learned some things:

 

The right to vote and free exercise thereof insures our future as a free people. The stranglehold of prejudice is breaking as more and more people are exercising their right and duty to vote.

 

We are realizing how important it is to elect people with some sense of integrity. Never again can we elect a President whose rhetoric is inflammatory and whose behavior is threatening to the well-being of so many described as “minorities.” Decency, humility, and dedication to a cause greater than the self are crucial.

 

No matter the political differences, we have a responsibility to recognize the dignity of everyone. We can no longer tolerate prejudice, inequality, and governmental indifference when peoples’ rights and dignity are compromised by self-seeking, greedy, insensitive governmental leaders.

 

Finally, those charged with governmental power have a duty to act justly in the interest of all people. Political office should not and cannot be seen as a personal privilege for selfish and expedient advancement.

 

As America prepares for a new Administration, we pause to reflect on how precarious our American experiment is. Religious, cultural, and political leaders must always have the courage to speak out against the maleficence we have witnessed the last four years. This must never happen again. We pledge to move forward in our quest for a more just and equable society.