More than 24,000 people, including 7,000 clergy members, signed a letter in support of American Muslim communities. The letter, which was organized by the Presbyterian Church-affiliated Auburn Seminary, New York City, was hand-delivered to leaders at the Muslim Community Network in New York City on Christmas Eve, which also happened to be the prophet Muhammad’s birthday. The letter promises to build a “circle of protection” to defend American Muslims from hate and violence. It will also be distributed to Muslim communities in Los Angeles, Denver, Atlanta, Detroit, Orlando and San Francisco.
From scarcity to sanctuary
When New York State Pride reached out to local churches in the early 2000s seeking shelter space for LGBTQIA+ youth during the coldest months of the year, Trinity Lutheran Church…