On Sunday, March 17, in response to the mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand two days before, the people gathered for worship at Nativity Lutheran Church, Rockport, prayed “move us to end hate and make your world whole.”

Believing we can no longer remain silent, we, the undersigned, speak out now to condemn hatred, bigotry, racism and violence whenever and wherever it occurs. We do so because all people are made in the image of God. We do so because our faith calls us to use our voices for change.

We mourn the loss of life in Christchurch. We stand in solidarity with and support of Muslims around the world now living in fear that their houses of worship and prayer may be targets of hatred and violence. We realize that hatred of any sort does not develop in a vacuum. We must reject hate-fueled fear and speak out against white supremacy.

We must speak and act in love toward those we see as different. We call upon community members, neighbors, and friends—of all faiths or none—to do the same.

In peace,

The Reverend Wendy J. Anderson, Thomaston

Lydia Bendas, Union

Steven Bendas, Union

Carol M. Brazier, Waldoboro

Bruce and Sherry Cobb, Union

Sue and Bob Dawson, Tenants Harbor

Linda and Steve Downer, South Thomaston

Suzette Gilbert, Belfast

Donald Gjertsen, South Thomaston

Ken and Beth Guiseley, Hope

The Reverend Elaine Hewes, Blue Hill

Michael Hewes, Blue Hill

The Reverend Bonnie Hoffman, Lincolnville

Arleigh and Byron Huntley, Camden

Tina Huntley, Camden

Elaine Isakson, Rockland

Betty G. Long, Rockland

Theodore E. Long, Rockland

The Reverend Ralph Miller, Rockport

Mimi Moore, Thomaston

Jane Monhart, Lincolnville Center

Julie Moser, Camden

Russell Moser, Camden

Kimberly Murphy, Lincolnville

Dick and Judy Pelletier, Tenants Harbor

Donna Perry, Hope

The Reverend John Rafter, Camden

Michele Rafter, Camden

Richard Scanlon, Union

Harold Shields, Rockland

Stacey Shields, Rockland

Denise and Mark Stadler

Lynne Taylor, Camden

Marty Taylor, Camden

Ann Walker, Owls Head

Frederick J. Walker, Owls Head