Bishop Knisely Responds to Recent Acts of Vandalism and Racism

On Tuesday, May 25, The Rev. Cn. Linda L. Grenz joined members of Cranston’s faith and civic community to speak out against the recent act of vandalism at Cranston’s Stebbins Stadium (20 Jordan Ave. Cranston, RI 02910).

Vandals spray paint swastika, KKK at Cranston Stadium (NBC 10 News) >

 

“I believe that the broader community’s unanimous rejection of the offensive and ignorant ideas that are being voiced is a sign to all of us of who we really are and what we value as a people who were many but are becoming one.” – Bishop Knisely

 

While at the press event, Canon Grenz read a statement on behalf of Bishop Knisely.

“The fact that this is now the second such incident in less than a week is a point of great concern for all of us. While it is likely that this particular event represents a single person’s ignorance, the fact that it is happening again means this is not an isolated incident – and the mistaken ideas spray painted on the pavement here are not held by just one person. The great danger is that if the community does not speak out in a single strong voice to reject these attacks on our neighbors, these ideas will spread and those using such language will feel emboldened. Thankfully our joint witness this afternoon makes it clear that we do reject the language of hatred.

I am grateful for the swift action of the Cranston City government and the investigation that is being done by the police force. I believe that the broader community’s unanimous rejection of the offensive and ignorant ideas that are being voiced is a sign to all of us of who we really are and what we value as a people who were many but are becoming one.”