As the Identity of the Boston Bombers Becomes Known, Let's Not Scapegoat Innocent People

It has been such a heavy week in our country.  My thoughts and prayers have been with the good people in the Boston as the authorities continue their search for the remaining suspect.

My heart is also heavy because so many Americans are already rushing to judgments about the religion and ethnicity of the suspects.  I am saddened to hear of so many Americans who are afraid of what will happen to their children and families if the suspects share their religion or ethnicity.  This should not happen in the United States of America.

We are one people and we grieve together and seek justice together.

If we turn against each other in fear, if we scapegoat innocent people based on their racial, ethnic, religious or immigrant identity, then the bombers have won and the violence continues.

Just as the bystanders ran to those hurt in the bombing, we should be running towards each other and standing together in unity and peace.  This is how we honor all those who have been lost to us through acts of violence and this is how we pursue true justice.

May God be with us all in this difficult hour.

Rev. Krista Taves, Emerson Unitarian Universalist Chapel, Ellisville MO

www.emersonuuchapel.org