• 2025-01-13 16:11:46
• Racial Discrimination

BEVERLY, MA — More than a dozen religious and educational leaders who make up the Beverly Multifaith Coalition joined late Friday afternoon in solidarity and support of the Jewish community in the city and across the North Shore after a city man was charged this week with illegal "ghost" gun possession and accused of making violent and sexual online threats against Jewish synagogues and women.

The Beverly Multifaith Coalition is a group of faith leaders who meet regularly to engage with the differences and commonalities among our various faith traditions as a tangible way to promote respect, understanding, and peace in our community."

Here is Beverly Multifaith Coalition's statement:

"The Beverly Multifaith Coalition expresses deep concern over the persistent expressions of hatred against Jews that circulate too readily in our communities, the readiness of some to act on such hatred, and the networks of ideas and resources that make these threats tangible.

We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community in Beverly and beyond during this challenging time. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the dignity, rights, and safety of all members of our community while fostering understanding, respect, and friendship across differences.

We urge every member of our community to take a strong stand against all manifestations of hate and prejudice. Let us exercise care and responsibility in our words and actions to promote unity and understanding.

We call on everyone to remain vigilant in identifying those who, in these turbulent times, might act with hate or malice toward Jews or any other group.

Educate yourselves. Reach out to your neighbors, particularly Jewish community members who may be experiencing heightened anxiety and concern.

May we all strive to live together in peace, understanding, and mutual respect.

Signatories:

Rev. Elizabeth Assenza – First Parish Church in Beverly
Rev. Dr. Gail Cantor – The Center for Belonging, Endicott College
Rev. Greg Carmer – Church in the Cove
Mollie Clark – InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Salem State University and Endicott College
Nancy Coffey – North Shore Friends Meeting
Jennifer Day – Landmark School
Rev. Valerie Doering-Crisman – Pilgrim Church
Rev. Kathryn Elledge – St. John's Episcopal Church
Rev. Bill Ferguson – Chaplain, Landmark School
Diane Vener Goldenberg – Landmark School, Temple Emanu-El, Marblehead
Gail Goodell – Second Congregational Church
Rev. Adam Isbitsky – Second Congregational Church
Rev. Julie Flowers – First Baptist Church in Beverly
Dr. Daniel Johnson – First Baptist Church in Beverly
Rev. Ann Perrott – St. Peter's Episcopal Church
Dr. Emilia Phillips – The Bahá'ís of the North Shore
Carole Rein – North Shore Friends Meeting
Rev. Christopher Whiteman – St. Peter's Episcopal Church

Related coverage on Patch:

'This Is Very Scary': Hundreds Unite At Beverly Temple After Jewish Threats, Gun Arrest

Beverly Man Accused Of Antisemitic Threats Faces Dozens Of Gun Charges

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)