FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Jan 6, 2022
MEDIA CONTACT
Austin Schuler, aschuler@faithinpubliclife.org | 540-280-3393
Ohio Faith Leaders Speak Out On Jan. 6th Anniversary
Columbus, Ohio – On the 1st anniversary of the Jan. 6th insurrection at the Capitol, faith leaders from across Ohio are speaking out.
Rev. Dr. Carl Ruby, Senior Pastor, Central Christian Church, Springfield:
"Scripture teaches that the truth sets us free. As Christians it is always right to side with the truth, whether it lines up with our political preferences or not. I am dismayed when political figures like Jim Jordan, who claims to be a Christian, so actively involve themselves in public deception. It hurts our country, but more importantly, it hurts our Christian witness and gives people an opportunity to rightfully question the moral integrity of Christians and the church."
Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan Jr., Executive Director, Ohio Council of Churches:
“For the betterment of our union and in the interest of a national future in which people of every zip code may flourish, we ask that Congress hold accountable all elected officials who were responsible for the US Capitol horrors of January 6, 2021. This is the right thing to do.”
Rev. Dr. Amariah McIntosh, Public Policy Director, Ohio Council of Churches:
“It is disheartening to see elected representatives who swore an oath on a sacred text to uphold the Constitution do the opposite of what they swore because their loyalty to an individual matters more to them than their service to the nation. Our sacred text teaches us that justice as God would have it is not to be perverted, offered for sale or used unjustly. Each elected representative that continues to support the lie that the 2020 presidential election was somehow stolen must bear their culpability. This is the only way to ensure continued justice and accountability so that your constituents don’t lose faith in you or the democratic system we hold dear.”
Victoria Hickcox, Outreach Coordinator, CAIR Ohio:
“The insurrection was a violent attack against our democracy, which affects all Americans, regardless of political affiliation, race or religion. Americans deserve a transparent and thorough investigation into the siege, and we must hold all those involved in the attack accountable, especially our elected officials. Congressman Jim Jordan of Ohio not only spread misinformation regarding the election results, but also encouraged his supporters to participate in the riot at the Capitol. It is paramount that we come together to protect voting rights to make sure the voices of the people are represented fairly in our government.”
Pastor Hank Osmundson, Executive Director, Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio:
“Our American Democracy promises Liberty and Justice for All, but the actions of many of our lawmakers seem to demonstrate that they are only interested in hearing the voices of those who will keep them in power. The people of Ohio deserve fair and equal access to voting and fair and equal districts that reflect their values. Lawmakers who seek to undermine our Democracy through fearful rhetoric or outright denial of facts to ensure their political power remains unchecked need to be held accountable. There is nothing more American or more patriotic than demanding that the voices of all Americans be heard and giving them unfettered access to voting.”
Minister Blyth Barnow, Associate Director, Faith in Public Life Ohio:
“The January 6th insurrection was a violent and deadly attack against democracy and Americans. This attack was fueled by white supremacy and Christian nationalism. Elected officials who were involved in such an attack have violated a sacred oath to their constituents and their country. They should be held accountable and removed from office so that we can better build the multiracial, multifaith democracy our country needs.”
Pastor Lesley Jones, President, Interdenominational Ministers Alliance of Greater Cincinnati:
“To continue to promote lies about a stolen election, attack freedom through voter suppression, and not protect the lives of others in the name of Liberty is a direct attack on democracy. It is injustice for Congressional leaders to not be held accountable for their divisive and tyrannical behavior that allowed the January 6th Insurrection at the Capitol. It is time that justice roll down Capitol Hill and truth flow like a mighty stream.”
Rev. Dr. Susan Smith, Crazy Faith Ministries:
“It is troubling but not surprising that those who participated in and supported the insurrection on January 6, 2021, are now changing the story and blaming others - notably "the Democrats" and "the Left" for the horrendous attack on our nation's Capitol. Rep. Jim Jordan has been one of the most vocal supporters of "the big lie" and has not at any time publicly denounced the attack and has helped spread misinformation that continues to fuel the anger of the Republican base. The GOP is working to kill our country, and it is as scary as it is troubling. We will not let the country forget what these people and their political supporters did. It is my prayer that sooner rather than later the planners and those who financed this event will be identified and held accountable.”
Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens, Senior Minister, First Congregational Church, Columbus:
“As a Christian pastor, I would like to reclaim January 6th as Epiphany in the church year. It is the day that the wise men visited the newborn Jesus. It is a day filled with light and truth. As long as the US Congressional leaders allow the darkness and lies of January 6, 2021, continue to prevail in the narrative of our nation, we will never reach the truth. In the spirit of Epiphany, the manifestation of true light, let our Congress claim these hearings as our American Truth and Reconciliation Hearings.”
Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kee, Senior Pastor, New Faith Baptist Church in Christ, Columbus:
“We cannot relegate justice and righteousness to fraudulent and mendacious claims of election fraud echoed among U.S. Congressional Leaders. We need accountability now, even when it is prevented most by those elected to defend us all, but who somehow continue to be complicit in vigorously opposing the law. It is time!”
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Faith in Public Life Action is a national movement of clergy and faith leaders united in the prophetic pursuit of justice, equality and the common good. Together, with a network of over 50,000 leaders, they are leading the fight to advance just policies at the state and federal level that affirm our values and the human dignity of all.