Macon area United Methodists stand in solidarity against anti-semitic group

On Friday afternoon, June 23 Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar arrived at Temple Beth Israel in downtown Macon, Ga. to prepare for the evening's Shabbat service. What she found in front of the synagogue, however, was not what she expected.
 
Standing on the street just outside the synagogue shouting what police deputies called 'obscene language' through a bullhorn was an out-of-town Anti-Semitic group who had chosen Temple Beth Israel as its latest target. 
 
While Rabbi Bahar could have chosen to move the Shabbat service to a nearby church, she chose instead to move forward. Police were on the scene and with a few phone calls she had the immediate support of the surrounding faith community thanks to a recently formed Downtown Interfaith Alliance and a strong Women’s Interfaith Alliance. Among those who came to be part of the Shabbat service were the Rev. Dr. Ted Goshorn, pastor of Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, Rev. Sara Pugh-Montgomery, pastor of Centenary United Methodist Church, and Mrs. Flo Martin, one of the leaders of the Women's Interfaith Alliance of Central Georgia and a member of Centenary United Methodist Church. 
 
“When I arrived that Friday evening, I found myself face to face with pure, unadulterated hatred. I could hear the voices of hatred yelling down the street,” said Dr. Goshorn. “As I greeted members of the Temple, I struggled for the words to say; for what do you say in the face of hatred?” 
 
The synagogue has been a pillar of downtown Macon for over 130 years, and this is the first time they have been a target, said one member of Temple Beth Israel.
 
Rev. Pugh-Montgomery had her keys ready in case the service needed to be moved down the street to Centenary United Methodist Church. But, she said, the service went on despite the shouts from outside and was a beautiful service full of light, peace, love and unity.
 
“I was reminded that as people of faith how we respond shows unity and love, and the manner in which we respond shows solidarity and allows us to journey alongside and to be present with one another,” said Rev. Pugh-Montgomery. “As a United Methodist pastor, I have not faced that kind of discrimination and so to be able to journey alongside someone going through this and to be present with them hopefully shows them that they are not alone.” 
 
The next afternoon nearly 300 people gathered for a rally in the same spot where the Anti-semantic group stood the night before. Business owners, religious groups - including United Methodists from all over Macon, and individuals met outside of the synagogue as the Macon community rallied in support of their Jewish brothers and sisters, not willing to let this hate group be the loudest voices in the downtown Macon community. When the group showed back up, the first people that jumped up were ministers and preachers who blocked their way and would not let them back near the synagogue.
 
“The beauty of this response is that it’s not just one congregation taking the lead - it’s Methodists, Baptists, Catholics, and more - coming together,” said Rev. Pugh-Montgomery when asked how she saw things moving forward. “I think we continue to move forward and become more vocal and supportive and allow our Jewish community to lead us so that we can journey alongside them. This is our Macon; it’s a Macon that will stand up and say this hate will not be a part of who we are as a community.” 
 
Mrs. Martin said she was proud to see the presence and support of United Methodists. “I am thankful there are many South Georgia United Methodists who are willing to stand and support and care for our sisters and brothers of other faith traditions in this world with so many divisions.” 
 
On Sunday, July 2 a Service of Love and Unity will be held at 2 pm in Macon at Mulberry St. United Methodist Church in Macon. Dr. Goshorn is one of several faith leaders asked to speak, and the Women's Interfaith Alliance and Centenary UMC are playing a key role in parking and transportation. 
 
“Now, in the face of hatred, we come together again. Together, we say to those who would bring hate to our community, ‘Not here. Not in Macon. That’s not who we are,’” said Dr. Goshorn. “Together, we respond in the face of hatred, and we stand in solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters. And that’s what you say in the face of hatred. Four simple words: we are with you.”

Throughout the South Georgia Annual Conference - whether it is in Macon or in Brunswick - the value of interfaith relationships is paramount to the beloved community, explains Rev. Abra Lattany-Reed, Director of Diversity and Justice Ministries for the South Georgia Conference.

“It is our love and respect for all humanity that binds us in solidarity and brings healing and hope to our communities,” said Rev. Lattany-Reed. “God’s love and justice are always in tandem, and our presence speaks volume.”

If you are interested in learning best practices about forming interfaith alliances in your community, contact Rev. Lattany-Reed at abra@sgaumc.com.