To the editor:

Barrington Interfaith Partners are saddened and appalled by the recent acts of hate and terror in our nation, and now here in our own local community. 

The recent bomb threat against the Jewish Community Center in Providence, and the burning of a swastika into an historical marker on the East Bay Pike Path, not far from Temple Habonim in Barrington, are disturbing and unacceptable. In a national climate of increasing division and hostility toward many who are regarded as not belonging to mainstream America, perhaps we shouldn't be surprised that we have now been touched by this prejudice and bigotry. But we should all be outraged.

All Christian members of Barrington Interfaith Partners stand in solidarity with our beloved Jewish brothers and sisters who enrich our world and our town, and who share our belief in love and service to others. We offer our prayers for our friends and neighbors at the Chabad House of Barrington and at Temple Habonim, and for their Rabbis - Moshe Laufer and Andrew Klein, as they deal with these alarming threats. 

Small acts of hate can all too easily multiply and proliferate, and they can cause great fear and suffering. We must be vigilant and stand together against bigotry and hate. We must work to spread kindness and respect, justice and peace. 

Shalom

Rev. Dale Azevedo

Barrington

Rev. Brendan Curran

Barrington

Rev. Patrick Greene

Barrington

Trinki Brueckner

Barrington

Ann Doran

Barrington

Nancy Martin

Providence

Susan Rotblat-Walker

Bristol

Helen Schall

Barrington