Religious Intolerance

Recently, acts of vandalism, including graffiti, robbery and arson, have been committed against churches and synagogues in the Sunland-Tujunga area. This escalated to overt religious hatred on May 12, 1990, when the Verdugo Hills Hebrew Center was desecrated with swastikas and anti-Semitic slogans, after an earlier fire bomb attack.

We, the undersigned religious leaders in Tujunga, strongly condemn these acts and declare that an act of violence against any house of worship, whatever the faith, is directed against all of us.

We take pride in the fact that we live in harmony with our neighbors and allow everyone freedom to worship as he or she chooses. We appeal to the community to stop the spread of hatred wherever it appears by practicing and teaching religious tolerance.

Though we may differ on some matters of faith and practice, we do agree that these acts are crimes against God and against his creation, human beings. Do not accept racial or religious bigotry.

GEORGE BRINCAT

Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church

GLEN HAYWORTH

United Methodist Church

NOVI KANEKO

Foothill Community Church

KEN MONSON

Community Christian Church

JEROME SIMPSON

Church of the Open Bible

KENNETH SMITH

Seventh-day Adventist Church

MARTIN TWERSKI

Verdugo Hills Hebrew Center

WENDY WATSON

Ascension Episcopal Church