On 8/27 in a Called Meeting to discuss other matters, F/friends in attendance asked that a letter of support be sent to Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church after an unsettling event occurred the previous Sunday at Lincoln’s service. Three young white men, not known to Lincoln, arrived late to Church, walked around taking photos inside and outside, and did not speak to anyone before they left. Congregants were apprehensive as to their intent, and the police and FBI were called. It seems they also showed up at two other predominantly Black churches on the East Side and behaved similarly. Thus, the following letter was generated in the days after:
Dear Pastor George:
The Buffalo Quaker Meeting members heard about the unsettling visit by the group of young men who appeared to be doing reconnaissance at Lincoln Memorial and other East Side churches on August 20th.
After all of the overt and covert actions of racism towards African Americans in recent years and over the entire history of our country, we understand how this sinister-looking incident could deeply disturb members of your church.
We also heard last weekend that the FBI has identified these men, interviewed them and determined their intent was not criminal. But, we wanted to ask if there are any ways that we can be of support to your church community.
We are so grateful for the growing relationships that some of our members have enjoyed this year in our collaborations in the Lincoln Memorial food pantry, clothes closet, garden, and other special events.
In the coming months, we plan to begin attending your services more frequently. We want to stand in solidarity with our Lincoln Memorial friends during worship, work and in fellowship. The atrocity that is racism has always been fed by ignorance, fear, hatred and separation. We feel called to bear witness that the Love of God dwells in all people, and will be with your community to show that God's Love is far more powerful than fear and hatred.
Even if these young men meant no harm, we realize that the crimes of the past require us to stand close and in support. If there are any other ways we can be of support that we have not thought of, please do let us know.
Peace be with you and everyone at Lincoln Memorial. We are all called to the Blessed Community.
Sincerely,
Ginny Riordan and Michael Tritto, Jr.
Pastor George Nicholas responded with appreciation for our concern, stating that the recent events in Jacksonville (three Black people killed in a Dollar General store by a white man who left racist writings and killed himself) remind us that we can never be too careful, but Lincoln will continue to serve God with a heart of love.