A Statement for the 20th Anniversary of the World Trade Center Attack on September 11, 2001

A Partnership of Faith in New York City

A Statement for the 20th Anniversary of the World Trade Center Attack on September 11, 2001

September 7, 2021

The 20th Anniversary of the bombing of the World Trade Center is upon us. As religious leaders who are Jews, Christians and Muslims and Unitarian Universalists, members of A Partnership of Faith in New York City, we reflect on what is still important to remember about that tragic day. Sadly, many, many lives have been lost. Approximately, 3000 people died and 6000 were injured. We share sorrow, grief, and anger for what happened then. And we rejoice and give thanks for the healing and recovery of the people of our nation. Together as one, we remain thankful to the New York City Police and Fire Departments and emergency personnel and hospitals of this city who worked tirelessly and who themselves suffered tremendous loss. Together as one, we mourn and remember. We are thankful for those who defend our country. We thank them for their many sacrifices. We pray for those who continue to strive to bring peace to our world.

As religious leaders, we continue to implore our congregants and all fellow citizens to refrain from acts of vengeance or harm against any individuals, groups, communities, or houses of worship because of their ethnic, racial, or religious identity. Countering the current fractious and tribalist energy warping our nation’s political character, we strongly assert this is a time for us to join as one nation and one people in affirming our nation’s diversity for the sake of the common good of all.

Each of our religious traditions teach us the enduring nature of hope and the inevitability of renewal and rebirth. Together as one people, we pledge ourselves to loving kindness and, in the name of the One we worship and serve, to work together to restore and rebuild this city and its people whom we love.

Rabbi Joshua Davidson, Co-Chair
Congregation Emanu-El

Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Bauman, Co-Chair
Christ Church United Methodist

Fr. Brian McWeeney, DMin

Imam Shamsi Ali
Jamaica Muslim Center

Imam Dr. Muhammad Hatim
Admiral Family Circle, Retired

Rev. Greg Stovell
The First Presbyterian Church of New York City

Rabbi Peter Rubinstein

Rev. Jared Stahler
Saint Peter’s Church

Rev. Dr. Galen Guengerich