Over two dozen faith leaders stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community

Below is the Statement of those faith leaders:

On the evening of Saturday, December 3rd, a group of twelve Neo-Nazis harassed an LGBTQ+ fundraising event being held at a venue called ART/ifact on Massachusetts Avenue in Lakeland. The individuals, mostly wearing masks, were reported to have been shouting “Heil Hitler!” and using slanderous lies directed at those attending a “Celebration of the Arts.” In addition to the verbal harassment, the Neo-Nazis brandished a Nazi flag, a “Christian” flag, and a sign equating the Star of David with the Communist “hammer and sickle.” This sickening display of hateful ideology parading as protest has provoked widespread anger and sadness.

In response, a diverse group of faith leaders gathered to consider an appropriate response. Part of our response is to issue the following statement:

We, the undersigned faith leaders, stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and our Jewish friends and neighbors against the historically hateful Neo-Nazi and White Christian Nationalist ideology of this group who hid behind masks while shouting slanderous lies at peaceful members and friends of the LGBTQ+ community gathered for a charitable cause.

We also deplore the use of signage intended to perpetuate the evil of Anti-Semitism rooted in the perverse ideology of Hitler and his Nazi sympathizers, and we extend our solidarity and support to our Jewish friends and neighbors.

As people of faith, we aspire to overcome evil with good and believe that love is more powerful than hate. Our hope is that these individuals, who attempted to disrupt and divide the welcoming and inclusive community of Lakeland that we love, will rethink and reject their ideology of hate and intolerance and work toward a greater realization of the Beloved Community where all people can live together in peace and harmony. Meanwhile, we are committed to be a presence of safety and sanctuary to those in need.

Pastor Timothy Sizemore Beacon Hill Fellowship

Rabbi David Goldstein Temple Emanuel of Lakeland

Rev. Andy Whitaker Smith First United Methodist Church of Lakeland

Rev. Nicki Taylor First United Methodist Church of Lakeland

Contemplative Order of St. Brigid, CCC

Rev. Mel Wilkinson. Pastor, Christ Promise UCC

Marjorie Hudson Deacon, Christ Promise UCC

Steven G. Blansfield. Deacon, Christ Promise UCC

Dolores (Cookie) McQuaig Deacon, Christ Promise UCC

Heather Norby Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lakeland

Rev. Lois Ann Sorensen Pastor of Reformation Lutheran Church (ELCA)

Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rankin United Methodist Church

Rev. Pamela Smith Pastor and congregation of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church

Betsy Neff Lakeland Zen Community

Rev. Beth Gardner College Heights United Methodist Church

Shelly Robinson President, Temple Emanuel of Lakeland

Rev. Michael LeBlanc

Pam DeDea Pastor, United Methodist Temple

Pastor Missy Turbeville

Pastor Richard Anthony Purcell, Ph.D Lake Gibson United Methodist Church

Rev. David McEntire First United Methodist Church of Lakeland

Rev. Don Skellenger First United Methodist Church of Lakeland

Ann Skellenger. First United Methodist Church of Lakeland

Janice Tedder Jones First United Methodist Church of Lakeland

Linda Gainer. First United Methodist Church of Lakeland