Religious Leaders Urge Compassion

On December 22, the Very Rev. Penelope Bridges, dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Rev. Jeff Martinhauk, director of congregational life, and the Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes, bishop of San Diego, joined local leaders from different faith traditions at a press conference at City Hall. They presented a letter signed by 96 religious leaders to the mayor and city council. The letter states that religious leaders stand together in this divided time and are concerned that San Diego’s leaders treat all people with compassion and respect. Dean Bridges emceed the event, and Bishop Mathes spoke along with Evangelical, Jewish, Unitarian and Muslim leaders. KPBS covered the event and interviewed Dean Bridges. In her remarks, she said, “We have come together as leaders who believe that this nation is stronger united than divided, that we can make a difference for good in our city, and that love is stronger than fear.”