Dear Gov. Phil Murphy:

Thank you for the amazing leadership you have demonstrated during the COVID-19 crisis in New Jersey. In all of your press conferences, you have shown great courage, provided us with clear information, and helped give us a glimpse of hope that New Jersey will rise as a powerful state. Thank you for celebrating our essential workers, highlighting people sacrificing to support our vulnerable populations and for all the recognition of those who have lost their precious lives.

We also have a hard job to do during this challenging moment. We have taken the bold steps to keep our congregations closed to save the lives of the people we love. We are willing to continue to make sacrifices to keep our staff on payroll, provide for families with the right spiritual guidance and continue to support our communities even if all our congregations are not in the best financial state. We are called by God to work and care for all God’s people and ensure their safety.