While the Maine Council of Churches neither endorses nor opposes any candidate for elected office, we must speak out when a line is crossed that violates the spirit of civil discourse in elections. Further, we must take a stand when the nature of a political attack is unmistakably and purposefully racist in nature.

The display of racist signs in Lewiston that attack one mayoral candidate has no place in the public process. The Maine Council of Churches believes in keeping our dialogues and disagreements respectful and dignified. The council decries any attack motivated by racism.

We join the voices in Lewiston and beyond who call for an end to that sort of attack on a candidate for office. We pray that, despite our differences, we may all see one another as children made in the image of our creator.

The Rev. William Barter, Brunswick