New Providence United Methodist Church

A Statement from Religious Leaders of New Providence and Berkeley Heights
in Response to the Killing of George Floyd and Systemic Racism
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The New Providence and Berkeley Heights Interfaith Clergy Group strongly condemns the senseless murder of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department.  We feel compelled to speak out against a history of systemic racial injustice and the complete disregard for black and brown lives that have pervaded our society for generations. As people of different faith traditions and beliefs, we grieve together and cry out for justice.
 
As we witness the response locally, nationally, and globally we feel a renewed sense of urgency that compels us to act.  In the words of Elie Wiesel, “We must always take sides…Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim…The opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference.”
 
It is our belief that in a country that strives to be more perfect, people of every faith and of no faith must resist evil, work for justice and peace, respect the dignity of every person, and most of all to love our neighbor.  To be instruments of peace we call on all people to speak to friends and neighbors to help establish justice for all.  We urge everyone to use social media platforms to call out racist remarks and contact local, state, and federal representatives asking them to initiate and support the work of equal justice for all people regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity. 
 
Let us work together for peace and reconciliation for all.
 
Dr. Ali Chaudry, Islamic Society of Basking Ridge
Rev. Victor Franco, New Providence United Methodist Church
Rabbi Avi Friedman, Congregation Ohr Shalom – Summit JCC
Rev. Dr. Daniel Gunn, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, New Providence
Rev. Jane McCready, Faith Lutheran Church, New Providence
Rev. William Mahon, Our Lady of Peace, New Providence
Rev. Andrew Prachar, Little Flower Roman Catholic Church, Berkeley Heights
Rev. Kamalesh Stephen, Asian Indian Christian Church, Berkeley Heights
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Sunday Worship Services
will not be held until further notice.

  During this difficult time
  be safe, be kind, be faithful.

The New Providence United Methodist Church
invites you to join our community.
Worship Service & Sunday School
 Sunday at 10:00 AM
1441 Springfield Avenue
New Providence, NJ 07974
908-464-5535     npumc1441@verizon.net
Rev. Victor Franco, Pastor

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