Interfaith Partners of South Carolina (IPSC) calls on all South Carolinians and all people of faith to support people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent following recent increases in assaults against Asians. We are concerned about our members, as well as all people in South Carolina, who are Asian American or Pacific Islander, or any people of color who experience injustice because of their appearance or ethnicity.

Reported incidents of violence and harassment against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. numbered almost 3,800 in the past year. (Source: Stop AAPI Hate) Of course, this number only represents official reports, and may actually be much higher.

During a period of increased polarization in American society, Interfaith Partners membership includes many Asian Americans, as well as cultures and ethnicities from around the world. IPSC Chair Cheryl Nail said, “Violence against one of us is violence against all of us, for we are one human people. IPSC stands in solidarity with our AAPI friends and neighbors and will continue to combat hate committed against any person because of their perceived race or ethnicity.“

Interfaith Partners offers support by way of an emergency hotline for anyone who feels that their congregation or faith group has experienced harassment, vandalism or violence: 1-888-849-1513.

For more information about IPSC or S.C. Interfaith Harmony Month, visit https://interfaithpartnersofsc.org/.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Holli Emore, PIO for Interfaith Partners of South Carolina, PIO@interfaithpartnersofsc.org, or 803.422.4565

COLUMBIA—Interfaith Partners of South Carolina (IPSC) calls on all South Carolinians to join in upholding peace and order during this transition period. While open elections in many countries engender fear, conflict and even violence, here in America we are accustomed to an orderly and civil process. During this season of polarization and tension, we are called to proactively build peace to support democracy. Disruptive and/or violent actions against our fellow Americans will not accomplish our shared values and goals.

If we want to continue to live in the America we love, we must remember who we are – a group of individuals with differing ideas, and a democracy that provides us with a way to live together in peace. America is not perfect, but we should always strive to achieve our ideals of peace, harmony, opportunity and respect for all. Many wish to express their feelings about the events of today, and public protest is a cherished American practice. Understanding, however, that in-person confrontation may provide a flashpoint for unwanted violence, IPSC urges everyone to avoid protests and counterprotests.

IPSC Chair Cheryl Nail said, “Interfaith relations have shown us time and again how our differences need not divide us. It is our various perspectives that keep our democracy strong.“

January is S.C. Interfaith Harmony Month. Interfaith conversations have taught us that we can show compassion to each other even when we have sharp differences. We have learned that we can respect others with whom we disagree. We call on all of our interfaith partners across South Carolina to uphold our vision of peace and respect.

Former Vice-Chair of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, Andras Corban-Arthen, is a featured speaker for S.C. Interfaith Harmony Month. He shared this message of encouragement to IPSC today: “As interreligious representatives, it behooves us to address these events. The interfaith movement openly embraces all the religious and spiritual communities throughout the world. We urge those involved in today’s actions in Washington to seek understanding and resolution through peaceful means, rather than violence.”

For more information about IPSC or S.C. Interfaith Harmony Month, visit www.interfaithpartnersofsc.org. To speak with IPSC leadership, contact Holli Emore at 803.422.4565 or PIO@interfaithpartnersofsc.org.

At  a virtual press conference on Dec29  IPSC launched 2021 SC Interfaith Harmony Month. Shown at left is Board Treasurer Amarjit Singh holding a copy of the governor’s proclamation in 2019.

All event listings may be found here.

From our Board Chair:
We are delighted that Valarie Kaur, Sikh American author, has committed to celebrating Interfaith Harmony Month with IPSC in January 2021 (either virtually or by video). Please help to cover her fee with a personal and/or group contribution.  Click on the right to give electronically, or mail a check to: Interfaith Partners of S.C., P.O. Box 5301, Columbia SC 29250.
Thank you for your continued dedication to the mission of IPSC and your support of this important annual statewide endeavor.
Yours in diversity and peace,
Adrian Bird