To the University of Chicago Community,
The Rockefeller Memorial Chapel and Spiritual Life team mourn the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and the many others who were killed as a result of racist violence. We mourn in solidarity with their families and loved ones. We condemn racism and the resulting violence in all of its forms.
As members of the University of Chicago community, we commit to standing against injustice and working to dismantle systems and structures that lead to inequity. Committing privately or publicly to passive anti-racist behavior is necessary, but not sufficient. We call on all members of the UChicago community to act mindfully in ways that are anti-racist. This work is part of both an internal and external journey, and we are here to support you in it. The Rockefeller Memorial Chapel and Spiritual Life staff are a part of the diverse UChicago community that is enriched by our differences. We intend to encourage and nurture engagement between people of all religious, spiritual, and ethical backgrounds. This engagement requires an active commitment to representation and inclusion in all religious services, artistic programs, community gatherings and conversations.
We invite ourselves and the UChicago community to self-reflection and humility, to examine the ways in which we have been complicit in prejudice and racist behaviors, and to renew our commitment to justice and morality. To be in community requires that we all acknowledge our common humanity and treat one another with love and compassion.
Peace and Blessings,
D. Maurice Charles, Dean of Rockefeller Chapel
Jigna Shah, Assistant Dean of Rockefeller Chapel & Director of Spiritual Life
Matthew Dean, Director, University Chapels
James Kallembach, Director of Chapel Music
Seher Siddiqee, Assistant Director of Spiritual Life & Advisor for Muslim Affairs
Jane Bohnsack, Business and Facilities Coordinator
Joey Brink, University Carillonneur
Thomas Weisflog, University Organist