Editor:
The members of the Catholic Jewish Commission and the Jewish Catholic Muslim Dialogue of Southern New Jersey strongly condemn the horrendous and despicable act of desecration of the religious statues that took place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Franklin Township. Whether done as “pranks” by youths or religiously-motivated bigotry, it is a form of terrorism intended to shock and hurt the parishioners of St. Mary’s, the Catholic community and all people of conscience and good will.
We hope that the police find the perpetrators and bring them before the bar of justice to receive appropriate punishment, to set an example to anyone else who strikes out against religious institutions in such hateful ways.
All places of worship are considered sacred by their congregations and therefore worthy of respect. While we condemn the hateful act we pray that those responsible come to regret their actions.
Alan Respler,
Facilitator, Jewish Catholic Muslim Dialogue
Rich Watson
Dr. Rafey Habib