It is important for every one of us to stop for a moment and consider what happened on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022 at a synagogue in Fort Worth, Tex. A gunman, who just that morning had been given a cup of hot tea by the rabbi there, was permitted to join them for worship. Eleven hours later, that gunman was killed, after having held three hostages, including the rabbi, until they were able to escape. They were not released. They escaped, mainly because the rabbi and one other had participated in security training for such an event. Such training has become commonplace for houses of worship across the nation now, regardless of faith or denomination.

We understand that many Jewish congregations across the nation, and the world, must now hire security guards in order to better insure the safety of those who come to worship. And it is likely true that those houses of worship, congregating within communities where the dominant religion differs from theirs, will be the ones subjected to acts of violence.

This was a violent act of antisemitism that has caused grief, anxiety and post-traumatic stress not only for those immediately involved, and the members of their congregations, but for all of our Jewish brothers and sisters, wherever they are.

Members of the Martha’s Vineyard clergy stand in solidarity and sympathy with all the children of God, and especially with our Jewish friends here on the Island, and everywhere, who must suffer each time something like this happens.

For while we understand we cannot fully fathom the depth of the pain and concern brought about by the evils of antisemitism, we all share in the pain visited upon us, and our congregations, indeed, all people of faith, who are impacted and injured by the acts of hatred visited upon any of us, in the name of religion.

Rev. Chip Seadale

Edgartown

The writer is rector at St Andrew’s Episcopal parish. Also signed by 18 other members of the Island clergy.