As the Bethlehem Interfaith Group (B.I.G.), we are faith leaders who have come together to build the beloved community.

In light of the desecration of our nation’s Capitol Building, B.I.G. grieves with all for the tragic loss of life, the destruction in the building and the violation of personal space. What occurred was shocking and despicable but is symptomatic of a larger issue in the world: Our addiction to toxic culture (toxic politics, toxic masculinity, toxic religion, toxic social media and a toxic culture of white supremacy), inflamed by the rhetoric of President Trump.

We acknowledge that our society is sick and civility is under attack. We know there is a better way and B.I.G. commits to actively:

• Extend love, hope, prayer and care to all who are experiencing fear, anger, hopelessness and despair

• Bring a renewed energy to work for social change

• Encourage healing through the rich traditions and wisdom of our many faith traditions

• Reaffirm our commitment to the bedrock values of truth, justice, and peace

• Practice holy listening with respect for the dignity and value of each human being

• Lead a process of soul searching, repentance, and accountability

Therefore, the Bethlehem Interfaith Group invites all people of good will to embrace a vision of education, social justice, and friendship. We believe that by learning with one another, serving and advocating with one another, and building relationships with another, we may help to bring about a better reality – God’s intended reality – for this world.

The Bethlehem Interfaith Group includes:

Rev. J.C. Austin, First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem

Rev. Goudy, Metropolitan Community Church of the Lehigh Valley

Rev. Madelyn Campbell, Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley

Rick Dow, Friends Meeting of the Lehigh Valley

Rev. Emmajane Finney

Rev. Canon Dale Grandfield, The Cathedral Church of the Nativity

Rev. Melissa Johnson, Advent Moravian Church

Sister Bonnie Kleinschuster

Student Rabbi Armin Langer, Congregation Am Haskalah

Rev. Dan Miller, Edgeboro Moravian Church

Sister Virginelle Makos

Rabbi Steve Nathan, Lehigh University

Rev. Dr. Pamela Payne, Rector, Trinity Episcopal Church

Rev. Tammie Rinker, West Side Moravian Church

Rev. Dr. Stephen Simmons, Honorably Retired, Presbyterian Church USA

Rev. Cynthia Leslie Simmons, Honorably Retired, Presbyterian Church USA

Rabbi Michael Singer, Congregation Brith Sholom

Rev. Lloyd Steffen, University Chaplain, Lehigh University