BREAKING NEWS: Community Rallies Behind Local Churches

Photo: Saint Joan of Arc  

Hyannis News would like to thank Ms. Taryn Thoman, former No Place For Hate committee member and representative, for her bold candor regarding the recent incidents of hate directed at two local church communities. 

Hyannis News would also like to thank Janice Barton who eventually did the correct thing after careful consideration, issuing the following press release:

Barnstable No Place for Hate Committee Meets June 13

Community Response to Recent Vandalism Incidents to be Discussed

      The next meeting of the Town of Barnstable’s No Place for Hate Committee will take place on Wednesday, June 13 at 4:30 pm at Barnstable Town Hall. Among other items to be discussed, the group will brainstorm ideas for a unified community response to the recent vandalism incidents that have involved a church, two schools and some local businesses. “We thought at first it was an isolated incident”, relates Committee chair Janice Barton, “however it now appears to have spread through many areas of our community, so we feel that a response from the whole community, in a unified declaration against such actions, will have a greater impact”. Barton further states that Rev. Bruce Smith, the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, and Principal Christopher Keavy of the Pope John Paul II School have been invited to attend this meeting. Anyone from the public who is interested in helping to create a positive response to these unfortunate activities is also invited to attend.

      For more information on Barnstable’s NPFH Committee or to obtain an application to become a member, please contact Committee Chair Janice Barton at JLBartonLetters@aol.com.

Hyannis News sent this letter to Janice Barton and all those who took place in the debate generated from these incidents:

Dear Janice-

I cannot adequately express my full appreciation for your efforts, as well as others, relating to these occasions of ignorance and maliciousness tainted upon our sacred community buildings. 

I must confess that I'm often wrong in my daily estimations.  At times I fear that influential people may inadvertently fail to act upon that which I quickly believe is obviously the right thing to do- I prayed and was hopeful that leaders would come forward to take a stand against these malicious acts- my prayers seem to have been answered today as it appears we are ready for constructive dialog and progress.

Thank you for your press release: http://hyannisnews.com/Hyannis-City-News/739.html

I heard from many individuals on all sides, and there now appears to be a general agreement that a superior effort needs to be made to display the community's resolve against these divisive acts.

Hatred unfortunately exists, and that fact may sometimes seem too stark for many who do not want to look at it, for whatever good reason. 

In recent days these incidents have touched upon many in many different ways.  Some reacted, understandably, at a very visceral level; while yet others held off on the instinctive and thought things through-I'm suggesting that both reactions were equally valid in reaching this point of general agreement that something needs to be done.  Hopefully we can all come forward in an ardently united and boldly determined manner.

While I am not in a position of influence on the town level, nor am I necessarily a meticulous thinker, I recognize the importance of your level of support. 

Respectfully Submitted,

Rob Bastille, Editor, HyannisNews.com

GOOD WORK EVERYONE!