1 /5 Max Kris: We truly wanted to find a place of peace and inspiration after a difficult week, but unfortunately, our experience here left us feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome. The service was led by Minister Sharon and the entire plus hour service was focused wholly on her personal stories of racial injustice and political commentary. While we understand the need to speak truth and share lived experiences, the message included repeated negative references to white people and political imagery like the Berlin Wall and civil rights protests.
My husband and I came hoping to feel uplifted and spiritually connected, but instead felt alienated by what came across as a one-sided, divisive message. We looked around and realized we were among the only white people present, which only heightened our discomfort as the sermon continued. We are not political people and were not expecting to be part of a space that seemed to promote a strong racial and political agenda. It felt more like a lecture than a service.
We believe in unity, healing, and mutual respect, and we were truly hoping to find that here. Sadly, we did not. We won’t be coming again.