Sudbury Religious Leaders Make Statement On George Floyd Killing

SUDBURY, MA — Religious leaders from Sudbury are speaking out about the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, saying they have a duty to "vindicate those who are afflicted." The statement, released Wednesday, comes as demonstrations are being held in cities and towns across the country, including Sudbury.

Here's the full statement:

We, the clergy community of Sudbury, condemn the horrific death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25. In the face of this event, and in its aftermath, we are called to action.

Although we represent distinct faith traditions, we are united in the belief that we must side with the oppressed. The Book of Psalms, a text beloved to many of us, instructs us to “vindicate those who are afflicted and defend those in want” (Ps. 72:4).

There is no one correct response to inequity and brutality. Many among our community are modeling examples of productive responses. Some are attending rallies. Others are educating themselves online and sharing their knowledge on social media. Still more are reaching out to African-American friends, family and associates, renewing pledges of support and solidarity. What is important is that we act, individually and collectively, lest we “stand idly by the blood of our neighbors” (Leviticus 19:16).

We are heartened by recent statements from Chief of Police Scott Nix and Town Manager Henry L. Hayes, Jr. that speak to a shared commitment to our town and to its inhabitants. Their letters can be viewed on the Sudbury website at https://sudbury.ma.us

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel taught, “In a free society, all are involved in what some are doing. Some are guilty, all are responsible.”

We, the clergy community of Sudbury, pledge that we will continue to be involved in the holy work of pursuing justice. Let us all, together, claim responsibility to bring peace and wholeness to our beloved home.

With our heartfelt blessings,

Rabbi Josh Breindel, Congregation Beth El
Rabbi Lisa S. Eiduson, Congregation B'nai Torah
Rev. Sarah Hubbell, Memorial Congregational Church
Lauren Lukason, curate, St Elizabeth’s Epsicopal Church
Rev. Desiree Lawson, pastor, Presbyterian Church in Sudbury
Rev. Joel B. Guillemette, pastor, Sudbury UMC
Rev. Tom O’Brien, pastor and teacher, Memorial Congregational Church
Matt Crane, director of education, Presbyterian Church in Sudbury
Rev. Gail Wright, Memorial Congregational Church
Father Gerald Souza, Our Lady of Fatima Parish and Saint Anselm Rectorate
Rev. Sandra D’Amico, Intentional Interim Pastor, St. John
The Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty, First Parish of Sudbury
Karen LaCure, Director of Youth & Family Ministries/Parish Nurse St John Lutheran Church
Lorel Zar-Kessler, Cantor, Congregation Beth El