Archbishop of America: We must ensure that all places of worship are protected

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America joined religious leaders representing multiple faith traditions at the U.S. Department of Justice on August 27 for a high-level gathering focused on strengthening protections for houses of worship, safeguarding religious freedom and confronting religious hatred.

The gathering, convened by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation and Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon of the U.S. Department of Justice, brought together Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Hindu leaders, along with representatives of the Department of Justice and the Appeal of Conscience Foundation.

Archbishop Elpidophoros, a trustee of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, emphasized the importance of solidarity among religious communities in the face of threats and violence.

“It is in this spirit of mutual concern that we gather today, united not by fear, but by love—love for our own faithful and for our neighbor,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said. “By seeking to ensure that all places of worship are protected, and that our freedom to worship is safeguarded, we choose to remain resolute in the face of fear, hatred, and violence.”

The meeting, held on the…