06/10/2026
The Wayne Clergy Council recently issued the following joint statement in response to reports of threats against houses of worship in Wayne, NJ. As NEICC, we fully support and endorse this message, and we are proud to stand alongside our local communities. We share this statement as a reflection of our collective commitment to peace, mutual respect, and interfaith solidarity.
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Joint Statement of the Wayne Clergy Council
The Wayne Clergy Council is deeply troubled by the recent allegations including discussions of potential attacks against places of worship. We are grateful to law enforcement agencies for their vigilance and for their efforts to protect our communities and houses of worship.
As Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Hindu faith leaders serving the Township of Wayne, we stand united in condemning terrorism, violent extremism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, and every form of hatred and bigotry. Violence committed in the name of religion is a betrayal of religion itself. No faith tradition teaches hatred, terror, or the targeting of innocent people.
For many years, our faith communities have worked side by side to build relationships of trust, friendship, and understanding. Through initiatives such as Shine a Light, Interfaith Thanksgiving Services, Shine More Light, interfaith dialogues, educational programs, service projects, clergy gatherings, and community events, we have brought together people of different faiths and backgrounds to strengthen the bonds that unite us.
These efforts have shown us that personal relationships are the most effective antidote to prejudice. When neighbors know one another, worship together in friendship, serve together, and stand together during difficult times, fear and hatred lose their power.
Today, we reaffirm our commitment to:
* Standing against antisemitism in all its forms.
* Standing against Islamophobia in all its forms.
* Rejecting racism, xenophobia, and religious intolerance.
* Protecting the dignity and safety of every house of worship.
* Expanding opportunities for interfaith friendship, education, and cooperation.
* Working together to ensure that Wayne remains a community where people of every faith and background can live, worship, and thrive in peace.
At a time when hatred seeks to spread fear, we choose friendship. At a time when suspicion seeks to separate neighbors, we choose dialogue and understanding.
We invite all residents of Wayne to join us in continuing the work of building a stronger, safer, and more compassionate community for all.
Wayne Clergy Council
Wayne, New Jersey
