We are appalled by the recent lack of respect and civility shown to…a Franklin High School senior and student representative to the Franklin School Committee, who spoke with courage at the October 26, 2021, Franklin School Committee meeting about the discrimination she and her friends experience on a regular basis. The interruption and attempt to silence this student by speaking over her cannot and should not be tolerated.
Over the last several months, [the Franklin Interfaith Council has] become acutely aware of an increase in hate-filled rhetoric and vandalism in our community. Hate speech and vandalism against members of the LGBTQIA+ community, racial slurs, and anti-Semitic graffiti cannot and should not be tolerated. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to hate-filled language and actions no matter how frequently they may occur in our community or elsewhere. We must speak out and act against hate to build a better community.
Each of our faith traditions calls us to love: to value the sacred worth of everyone, treating each person with dignity and respect. To be very specific, let us love Franklin. Let us create a beloved community where all persons regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnic background, age, stature, ability, creed, or faith can find a home.
Therefore, we commit ourselves to love Franklin. And, we ask you to commit yourself to love Franklin too.
Questions about the Franklin Interfaith Council and this statement can be emailed to info@FranklinInterfaith.org.
The Franklin Interfaith Council (FIC) is an organization whose membership is composed of faith communities in the Town of Franklin, Massachusetts. The FIC addresses the various needs of its community by recognizing the power of faith as defined by each faith tradition it represents. The intent of the FIC is to sensitize the Franklin community to issues of deprivation and social justice, to promote tolerance and understanding through shared worship, programs, performances, and publications, and to bring the understanding of our faith traditions to bear on these issues.
The Franklin Interfaith Council members include First Universalist Society in Franklin, Franklin Federated Church, Franklin United Methodist Church, Temple Etz Chaim , The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, St. John’s Episcopal Church, The Parish of Saint Mary (Catholic Church).