The recent case of arson at the Islamic Center of the Eastside (ISOC) has provided us one further opportunity to express our solidarity with all faith communities. While this event has not been noted as a hate crime, it calls us to affirm our commitment to ensure the safety of every member of our faith communities and places of worship.

Each of us must be engaged in collaborative acts of justice and peace for all. In that path towards collaboration, many of us have been in dialogue and participation in reaching out that our cities might be neighborhoods of friendship and mutual care. There is no place for fear and distrust, especially when they become actions that threaten lives, the well-being of community members and harmony in our communities.

We renew our core value of respect and commitment that all who live in our communities may thrive and flourish. We value, participate and share the many gifts in cross cultural communities.

We work and live for peace among all people. The Bellevue Diversity Advantage is clear that Bellevue “Welcomes the World.”

The Reverend Eric Anspach-Hanson, associate pastor

Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church, Sammamish

The Reverend Debbie Boyce, pastor

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Issaquah

The Reverend Gary Dalenius, pastor

Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Bellevue

The Reverend Dr. Mark Griffith, pastor

St. Luke Lutheran Church, Bellevue

The Reverend John LaMunyon, lead pastor

Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church, Sammamish

The Reverend Dave Thomas, pastor

Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, Bellevue

The Reverend James N. McEachran, senior pastor

Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Bellevue

The Reverend Veronica W. Smith, pastor

Grace Lutheran Church, Bellevue

The Reverend Wesley C. Telyea, lead pastor

Our Savior Lutheran Church, Issaquah

The Reverend Larry Thomas, interim pastor

Mount Si Lutheran Church, North Bend