Letter from the President November 2018

“Interfaith Heads – Stand Against Hate”

Dear Reader,

In the wake of the worst attack against a Jewish congregation in American history, a group of Houston’s interfaith leaders came together and called on residents to stand up against hate and division. About two dozen religious leaders from Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths met at the Congregation Beth Israel in Houston, urging communities to unite in light of the recent massacre at The Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. As they spoke, the man, charged with opening fire with a semiautomatic rifle leaving 11 Jewish worshipers killed and more wounded, entered a plea to the charges in a courthouse more than 1,300 miles away.

“Let’s show the world that in Houston, the most diverse city in the country, we are a role model of how to lift each other in times of concern and anxiety,” said Rabbi David Lyon, of Congregation Beth Israel. “Let’s make a photo (of this) that can be seen everywhere,” as the religious leaders in attendance held hands in a gesture of unity.

There was a call to take action against hate by using “words of love,” and encouragement for citizens to step up to challenge those amongst us who choose to engender evil and division.

John K. Graham
President and CEO – Institute for Spirituality and Health