Rededicate ourselves to stand against hate

Open letter to the Asian-American community in the Northwest Suburbs and Chicagoland:

The Council of Southminster Presbyterian Church in Arlington Heights is deeply disturbed by recent cases of violence against Asian-Americans, which have taken place in cities across the U.S. We especially mourn with the Asian-American community the recent murders of women in Atlanta.

At Southminster, we are purposefully engaged to end racism and to champion justice in the Northwest Suburbs and in Chicagoland. As a community, we have the opportunity and duty to counter hate with a message of inclusion, justice and love for our Asian-American sisters and brothers, and all people from diverse backgrounds who face threats to their physical safety and social inclusion.

Today, we must rededicate ourselves to stand against hate ideas, hate speech and hate actions.

Rev. Matthew Gearke, Senior Pastor

Rev. Elizabeth Nickerson, ­Associate Pastor

Southminster Presbyterian Church