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LRAC comdemns recent hate crimes

November 19, 2020

This past weekend, there were three events that occurred which raised concerns about how we as friends, neighbors, and allies have all been impacted by the actions of a few. David Mariner, executive director of CAMP Rehoboth, described the situations:

• A same-gender interracial couple who live at Wolfe Pointe outside Lewes had their yard vandalized on Friday.  They had a Black Lives Matter, Biden/Harris and inclusion sign in their front yard.  Someone chemically burned “Trump” in 5-foot-tall letters into their yard.  The mayor of Lewes has met with them and a community response is being planned.  

• After attending a show at the Blue Moon, assistant Fire Chief William Henry Buckaloo made comments on Facebook using hateful and offensive language.  It is our understanding that Buckaloo has been suspended pending a full investigation of this matter.  We appreciate the quick response from the Lewes Fire Department and will continue to work with them on this matter and on rebuilding trust in our community. 

• During a presentation on LGBTQ history for another community center, a CAMP Rehoboth staff member and the audience were zoombombed by three individuals wearing MAGA hats spewing hateful anti-gay, anti-semetic, and racist language.  

On behalf of the Lewes-Rehoboth Association of Churches, we are dismayed by the acts of defamation and intimidation experienced by members of our community. As Christians, we believe in the inherent worth and value of all people.  We believe that violence is never an appropriate response to difference.  Diversity is what strengthens our community and should never qualify as an excuse to violate others.

Jesus placed himself in the midst of those who were ostracized by society. He healed those who needed healing, fed those who needed to be fed, and brought hope and love to a hurting world. As followers of Jesus, we embrace peace, justice, and mercy.

The mission of the Lewes-Rehoboth Association of Churches states, “Together in Christian love, L.R.A.C. offers people the tools to live a life of hope.”  This weekend, hope was replaced by fear ... fear of violence and a repetition of the criminal actions intended to harm us.

We call on all people to embrace a vision for our community that includes tolerance for our differences, grace instead of discord, and love that will bring about peace.

Our hearts ache for those who have been hurt, and we renew our effort “to offer people the tools to live a life of hope.”

The Rev. Elder Diane Fisher
president 
The Rev. Jeffrey Ross
treasurer 
Lewes-Rehoboth Association of Churches
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