Spokane City Council Members Paul Dillon and Lili Navarrete of District 2 have issued the following statements in response to the acts of hate against the Plymouth Congregational Church located in Spokane’s South Hill Neighborhood over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Council Member Dillon:
“The City of Spokane has taken significant steps to promote and foster inclusivity, and we condemn hate of any kind, including defacement of or on any property of a place of worship. As the representatives of District 2, we fully denounce the vandalism at Plymouth Congregational Church in the Cliff Cannon Neighborhood, and we are working with the Spokane Police Department and Code Enforcement in their response. While we support the exchange of ideas and philosophies, the destruction of any property, including religious or sacred property, is unacceptable. Recently, the community has experienced a surge of antisemitic incidents, and these acts of hate will not be tolerated in the City of Spokane. These types of crimes negatively impact the entire community and affect many people’s perceived safety, inclusion, and ability to participate freely in the Spokane Community's civic sphere. We believe in the basic right of all people to live in a safe environment free from discrimination, intimidation, threats, or fear.”
Council Member Navarrete:
“The recent vandalism at Plymouth Congregational Church is not only disturbing but despicable. This act of disrespect damages property and undermines our community's values, which are built on faith and trust. Places of worship should be sanctuaries of peace and acceptance, and such acts of vandalism can cause deep emotional pain to those who find solace within those walls. We stand united in our call for justice and urge anyone with information to come forward. Let us work together to promote understanding and healing in our community.”
