Shared Concerns

There are many areas of concern that we share in common growing out of our own unique faith traditions. Groups working on these issues in our congregations often collaborate on projects and support each other in this work. We also often collaborate with the Interfaith Council of Franklin County and many faith communities in Northampton on projects and events.

Stewardship of the Earth / Climate Change
All of our congregations share concern about this issue. 8 congregations have committees actively working on this issue:

Racial Justice
Again, all of our congregations share a concern that all people be treated with justice, respect, and dignity. Like many people across the U.S. there has been increased concern about this issue recently. There are groups actively working on this issue in:

  • Amherst Baha’i Local Assembly
  • Center Church
  • First Church Amherst
    Anti-racism Ministry Team
  • Grace Episcopal
  • Hopping Tree Sangha
  • Jewish Community of Amherst
  • Mt Toby Friends Meeting
    Race & Class Working Group
  • South Church

Immigrant Justice / Sanctuary
Many of our congregations share a concern about the ways immigrants and asylum seekers are being treated.

Lucio Perez, a Guatemalan facing deportation away from his family, was given “sanctuary” at First Church in Amherst in October 2017. Members of many of our congregations volunteered countless hours to provide support for Lucio and his family.

Lucio was able to return to his family in March 2021 after his deportation order was lifted.