March 13, 2025

"We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly."

― Martin Luther King Jr., Why We Can't Wait

To our friends, fellow UCC members, and congregations,

I have always loved the quote from Martin Luther King Jr., in theory. When he speaks of "an inescapable network of mutuality" and "a single garment of destiny," my heart has always warmed. But this past week, I, for the first time, had the most palpable sense of these ideas in action.

As many of you know, my congregation was attacked this past weekend in a post by the local "Moms for Liberty" leader for having the updated progress Pride Flag flying. In her posts, she made the false claim that the flag, and therefore we, actively supported pedophilia. In her post, she called out the pink and blue on the flag as evidence of her claim. Many who commented were enraged and called on all sorts of action to be taken. Finally, in one repost of her article, a commenter suggested that the only way to deal with us was with "gasoline and a match." The county prosecutor is investigating that person and one other who made veiled threats.

It was a weekend of terror, grief, and an exhausting amount of time putting things in place, talking with local law enforcement, arranging for a congregational meeting, and so much more. But, in the midst of all that, the outpouring of support from the churches of the New Jersey Association, the whole Central Atlantic Conference, and your members individually far surpassed the hateful and violent rhetoric against us. Thank you to Freeman and Craig for your leadership and pulling us together.

I am also grateful to our beloved denominational officers, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson and Rev. Shari Prestemon, who reached out individually over the past few days to remind us that the network extends far beyond us.

I remain emotional about this physical manifestation of the "inescapable network of mutuality" and the "seamless garment of destiny" of which Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke. I also am overwhelmed by the beautiful truth that what affects one of us directly affects all of us indirectly. 

On behalf of my congregation and myself, please accept our deepest gratitude for all you have done for us in these difficult days. It is a priceless treasure. Please also know that we are with you in all your wondrous and toilsome work, embodying the everlasting love of God in a sometimes cruel and contentious world.

With deep gratitude and complete solidarity,

Mark Suriano and the people of the First Congregational Church, Park Ridge, NJ.