Rev. Curry Avery Advocates for Healing After Arson Attack on Springfield Church
Springfield, MA – The recent arson of MLK Community Presbyterian Church has left a community devastated, but Rev. Terrlyn Curry Avery is determined to confront the underlying issues of racism that led to this tragic event. The church was set ablaze by a man now in custody, facing charges of hate crime following a racist tirade.
Rev. Curry Avery, who serves as both the pastor of the church and the interim executive director of the Healing Racism Institute, believes that the conversation around racism and hate must not end with the fire. "As a pastor whose church was burned down, if we don’t look at the rhetoric that caused such racism and hatred, we won’t get anywhere,” she stated, emphasizing the need for a communal response to the hate that has surfaced.
In response to the crisis, the Healing Racism Institute is organizing a two-hour community dialogue on June 24, at the University of Massachusetts Henry M. Thomas III campus. This event aims to foster discussion on how to combat and heal from racism, a pressing issue in today’s politically charged climate.
Rev. Curry Avery hopes that by bringing the community together, they can not only address the repercussions of the arson but also explore broader societal changes needed to eradicate racism. The rebuilt church symbolizes resilience and serves as a foundation for unity in Springfield, encouraging everyone to participate in the upcoming dialogue to create a more inclusive environment.
As the community rallies, Rev. Curry Avery’s vision for healing and dialogue takes center stage, demonstrating the power of faith and solidarity in the face of adversity.
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