Jews and Christians alike know the great commandment: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind,” (Deuteronomy 6.5 ) to which Jesus added, "and thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matthew 22.39).

The religious leaders quoted in David Crary’s article, “Leaders of religious right balk at labeling Trump a racist,” (Aug. 2), know these teachings as the foundation for the good life, both public and private. These leaders know the biblical warning against false gods and the sins of tribalism. These leaders know that the president of our country has moral influence, for better or for worse, in all that he says and all that he does.

We can be grateful that at least a few of those cited in Crary’s article have spoken out against race baiting, divisiveness and personal defamation. 

Rev. Bruce M. Shipman

Groton