Interfaith Council speaks out for justice and compassion

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a proclamation of the Catawba Valley Interfaith Council. It is reprinted here at the Council’s request.

Whereas the Catawba Valley Interfaith Council (CVIC) is a compassionate community of diverse faith-based and secular individuals and groups, united in fostering acceptance, respect, and understanding for all.

Whereas we affirm that at the heart of each of our faiths and ethical traditions lies a shared commitment to love, justice, and the inherent worth of every human being.

Whereas we recognize that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to a thriving and compassionate society, and we are compelled by our collective values to speak out in their defense.

Whereas we declare that transgender and nonbinary individuals are beloved members of our human family, deserving of full dignity, respect, and the freedom to live authentically without fear or discrimination.

Whereas we affirm that immigrants and refugees must be treated with the worth and dignity due to all people, regardless of origin, status, or circumstance, and that welcoming the stranger is a sacred and moral duty shared across traditions.

Whereas recent executive orders have sought to define sex as a binary concept, thereby erasing recognition of transgender and nonbinary identities, and have reinstated restrictive immigration policies that undermine the dignity and rights of immigrants and refugees.

Therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Directors of the Catawba Valley Interfaith Council condemns these executive actions and stands united in advocating for a world where all people are treated with compassion, fairness, and love.

Be it further resolved that we encourage our members and the broader community to speak up boldly for love, to challenge injustice in all its forms, and to work together in creating a more inclusive and compassionate Catawba Valley and beyond.

In witness thereof, we, the Board of Directors of the Catawba Valley Interfaith Council, issue this proclamation as a testament to our unwavering commitment to love, justice, and human dignity.

• BETTY LOHR
• RABBI DENNIS JONES
• WILLIAM KEENER
• MICHAEL WOODS
• The
  • Rev. MELISSA SPARKS
  • The
    • Rev. Dr. NANCY STAHL
    • SAM HUNT
    • MICHAEL DECKARD
    • Pastor GAVIN GABRIEL
    • The
      • Rev. Dr. KATHY WOOD
      • MARY BURKHOLDER
      • JULIE CLINE