By Patrick Donachie
It remains to be seen what impact Donald Trump’s presidency will have on the faith-based community, but the moment serves as an opportunity for religious communities to unify and not be overwhelmed by anxiety. The advice came during a community clergy breakfast held by state Sen. James Sanders (D-Far Rockaway).
“Whether Trump is the best thing the world has ever seen or the worst thing that the world should never see, be prepared,” Sanders said during the breakfast held last Friday at Christ Pentecostal Temple in Jamaica.
Other speakers at the event included Pastor Darryl James of Grace Episcopal Church, Rev. N.J. L’Heureux Jr. of the Queens Federation of Churches and Professor Matt Meyer of the Interfaith Prisoners of Conscience Project.
L’Heureux called for calm in the election’s aftermath, saying he had confidence in the strength of the U.S. Constitution and the gradual pace of government, which could curtail the Trump policy proposals he had found disquieting. James called on community members to commit to action within their own neighborhoods.
“Sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zone to do the things that God has called us to do to make a difference in our community,” James said.
The panelists also addressed the rise in hate crimes since Trump’s election, with L’Heureux asserting that Trump had not been the cause of instances of xenophobia but exacerbated issues that had long existed.
Reach reporter Patrick Donachie by e-mail at pdona
