Here is the text of a letter signed by our congregation tonight in worship that will be sent to the Islamic community here in Boise. This is a beginning of efforts, not the end.

Dec 12, 2015

To our brothers and sisters in the Islamic Community in Boise,

We would like to extend our love and support to your community. We are saddened to hear rhetoric from politicians that would suggest you are not a part of the very fabric of our nation. You are our colleagues, neighbors, and friends.

We apologize for language that seeks to divide, to exclude, to separate. We believe our nation is stronger and healthier when the gifts of all people are welcome and when the traditions of all people are respected.

When such language of exclusion is connected to language of Christian faith, it weakens the connections we have as people who all worship the same God. We wish to strengthen, not weaken, those relationships.

We are approaching our celebration of Christmas, a time we will celebrate that God chose to be born to a family that would become refugees, seeking welcome in another land. Especially at this time of year, it is appropriate to remember to welcome refugees, to celebrate hospitality, and to extend the hand of friendship to the people with whom we journey through life.

Blessings to you,

Rev. Marci Glass
and the congregation of Southminster Presbyterian Church

a few more signatures were added after I took this picture