As South Florida faith leaders, we stand up for immigrants and LGBTQ communities

Miami Herald

21-02-2025

Justice for all
We, who are progressive faith leaders from local United Church of Christ congregations, write with hearts burdened by injustice and stirred by hope. We stand at a pivotal crossroads — one where oppressive governmental policies, hateful rhetoric, Christian Nationalism and systemic failures pose grave threats to human life and dignity. In a time where division, fear and exclusion challenge the dignity of many, we stand together in love and a deep commitment to social justice, calling for compassion and equality for all people. At the heart of our faith is Jesus' commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Our faith compels us to stand for the rights of immigrants seeking safety, for our LGBTQ+ and trans siblings to live authentically, racial justice, for women to have autonomy over their bodies and for an end to practices that harm or dehumanize, such as the use of Guantanamo Bay to detain immigrants. At the same time, we remain dedicated to creating a community where all people can find peace and belonging, free from fear or judgment.
We invite our neighbors and allies to join us in this work. Together, we can address the challenges of the present and build a future rooted in kindness, equality and dignity. If you are looking for a place to strengthen your soul, find community and be empowered to make a difference in the world, our doors are open to you.
The Rev. Candace Thomas,
pastor,
Christ Congregational Church UCC,
The Rev. Elvin Dowling,
Church of the Open Door,
The Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner,
senior pastor,
The Rev. Megan Smith,
associate pastor,
The Rev. Lisa LeSeur,
associate pastor,
Coral Gables Congregational UCC,
The Rev. Harvey Lockhart,
First Church of North Miami,
The Rev. Jessica Derise,
Miami Shores Community Church,
The Rev. Aaron Lauer,
United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale
Who's accountable?
Apparently, things don't change much, as evident in the Feb. 19 Miami Herald story, 'Botched search warrants end feds' drug case against Miami doctor.' Almost 21 years ago, I wrote a letter to the editor following the tragic death of 3-year-old Angel Hope Herrera, beaten to death by her mother after then-Judge Sarah Zabel returned her to her mother's custody.
At the time, as a police officer (since retired), I questioned why the judge's flawed and fatal decision wasn't scrutinized the same way a police officer's actions would be if resulting in a death. That question remains equally relevant today. Accountability is essential for judges, state attorney investigators and attorneys alike. Yes, Frank Casanova's sloppy investigative work was reprehensible and he should absolutely be held accountable.
However, will Assistant State Attorney Brenda Mezick, as chief of the ASA Human Trafficking Unit, also be held responsible? Will the judge who signed the search warrant face any scrutiny?
When those entrusted with upholding justice fail in their duties, the consequences are severe. Investigators, police officers, attorneys and judges wield enormous power over people's lives. If accountability is only applied selectively, the integrity of our justice system is compromised.
Mayree Morin Fernandez,
South Miami
A new GOP?
Re: Andres Oppenheimer's Feb. 16 opinion, 'Trump's order to pause anti-bribery law will fuel more corruption in Latin America.' I was a Reagan Republican, but I must admit that MAGA has taken over the party and it is gone. R.I.P., GOP.
Now is the time for American conservatives to start over with a new party. This is challenging, but also an opportunity to redefine healthy political conservatism in the United States. American conservatives must realize that the Republican Party has been completely taken over by MAGA — and pivot.
Eileen Buchanan,
Zephyrhills
Can't talk trash
No public comment was allowed at the Feb. 19 Miami-Dade Board of County Commission meeting regarding the county incinerator. The last time public comment was allowed before the entire commission was on Sept. 17, where turnout was massive. Comment time was limited to an almost useless one minute. Comments were, however, allowed at the Feb. 10 Infrastructure, Innovation and Technology meeting, where multiple commissioners hold positions.
The public's voice was united in opposition to an incinerator and came from many perspectives. Many praised Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's interim trash solution, which continues present practices of land filling near and afar, while zero waste policies and practices are implemented.
Participants who sacrificed their time to speak were greeted by an inattentive dais. Many, if not most, commissioners left their seats to mull around 'backstage.' Never was a speaker asked for clarification nor a question asked from the dais.
Is anyone listening?
Seems not. An incinerator is still being embraced as a viable solution and the newly mandated report will be asked to reconsider, locate and price waste burning, among other options.
Who are our commissioners truly listening to?
It does not appear to be constituents. We seem to be wasting our time and breath.
Steven Leidner,
Bay Harbor Islands
Insane summer
The Herald's Feb. 20 editorial, ''Second Amendment Summer' is about posturing,' blew my mind. Gov. DeSantis proposes there be no limit to the number or price of firearms that can be purchased in a single transaction during the tax holiday in July. I had to read that twice. This is insanity.
The same edition of the Herald has the gruesome details of a triple homicide in Tamarac, where a man shot his wife, father-in-law and a neighbor. A few days ago, the seventh anniversary of the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland was a stark reminder that we are no safer from gun violence today, in spite of small legislative victories like raising the minimum age to buy firearms.
What is the intention of stockpiling guns and ammunition if not to shoot other human beings?
The governor will have blood on his hands with this callous measure.
Rosemary Ravinal,
Doral
Citizens, not enemies
When I was in college, I had a summer internship at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. I saw firsthand how inefficient, unwieldy and bloated federal bureaucracies can be. Many of my co-workers didn't seem to have enough to do, marginally competent employees were passed from office to office, resources were often squandered. I understand Republicans' determination to trim the size of the government and reduce waste of taxpayers' dollars.
However, I also remember agricultural pollution of the Everglades, industrial waste flowing into our rivers and oceans, smog blanketing our cities and the dangerous thinning of the earth's ozone layer. Despite its flaws, our lumbering federal bureaucracy dramatically improved water and air quality in Florida and nationwide, brought species such as bald eagles back from the brink of extinction and safeguarded our planet's atmosphere. The government employees I worked with were good, earnest people.
Yes, downsize the government and look for cost-savings, but allow federal agencies to continue their important work. Instead of treating government workers as enemies, respect the fellow citizens who serve us.
Nat Wheelwright,
Harpswell, ME
So many topics
In the Feb. 19 letter, 'Change the subject,' the writer complains that Herald opinion writer Andres Oppenheimer seems 'fixated on criticizing every move President Trump takes.' I agree.
Oppenheimer should instead write about the china place settings used in state dinners with foreign leaders, or perhaps the color of paint on our embassies. These pieces would be much more enlightening than any discussing Trump's embrace of dictators, his cutting of foreign and humanitarian aid and other frivolous issues.
Sylvan Seidenman,
Miami
Not safe for work
There is a federal government employee who Elon Musk should fire immediately. He had been employed only four years and he played golf 307 days while on government payroll. Now he is a government employee again. His name is Donald Trump.
Emilia Fosberg,
Cocoa Beach