TO THE EDITOR: On Jan. 6, 2021, our nation suffered an attack as insurgents breached the Capitol.

As religious leaders, we are deeply grieved and angered by this injury to the norms of democracy and the fear experienced by all those who felt themselves at risk of harm. We also mourn the loss of life as a consequence of the chaos.

We unequivocally condemn the violence of Jan. 6. We condemn the actions of those who allowed themselves to be led by anger and fear fueled by lies and conspiracy theories. We denounce leadership which creates divisions and hatred.

While we may disagree with particular policies and actions of government, we acknowledge this Congress and the incoming president and vice president as duly elected.

In the coming days and weeks, we pray for peace and pledge ourselves to doing what we may to promote truth and justice in this nation for all its people.

We continue to pray for the families of those who lost loved ones because of the violence on Jan. 6. On this week when a new president and vice president is inaugurated, we pray for our divided nation. We pray for those who are so hurt and afraid that they would resort to this kind of violence. We stand with and pray for those who work tirelessly for justice and peace. We pray for those who speak truth to power. We pray for the day when people with competing ideals will sit together in harmony at the table of democracy and fellowship.

At the dawn of this new administration on Jan. 20, with all of its hopes and possibilities, we implore people of faith to fervently pray for peace and unity in our nation, and may those prayers, actualized in our civility and kindness toward one another, bring healing to our nation.

Rev. Philip Richards

Rev. Gregory Huth

Rabbi David Kominsky

Rev. Timothy J. Luoma

Rev. Sally Chase White

Rev. Rebekah L Solar

Rev. Martha E Connor

Rev. Chrysalis Beck

Rev. Peggi Eller

Rev. Nicoline Guerrier

Rev. David Ousley

Rev. Paul Heller

Plattsburgh

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Originally published 19 January 2021 in the Press Republican of Plattsburgh, NY