FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Austin Schuler, aschuler@faithinpubliclife.org, 540-280-3393

 

Ohio Faith Leaders Rally for Democracy at Statehouse

 

Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan Jr. “HJR6 is an affront to God’s expectation for human flourishing and design for abundant life.”  

 

Columbus, Ohio – Today, Ohio faith leaders in partnership with more than 145 organizations rallied for Democracy at the Ohio Statehouse to remind lawmakers that Ohioans of faith do not support House Joint Resolution 6. Passage of HJR6 would make it significantly harder for Ohioans to pass ballot initiatives by requiring passage by a supermajority (60%) of the voters, rather than a simple majority.

 

For video of the event, click here.

 

Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr., Ohio Council of Churches, Canal Winchester:

“A key component to human flourishing and abundant living is the ability to participate in the democratic process of crafting laws and shaping policies that impact and influence the ways we live. HJR6 is an affront to God’s expectation for human flourishing and design for abundant life.”  

 

Rev. Nelson Pierce, Beloved Community Church, Cincinnati:

“People’s engagement in making the world a better place is a fundamental part of our democracy and a foundational tenet of the Christian faith. For generations Americans of faith and conscience have used the tools of citizen led democracy when elected officials could not or would not pay attention to issues of deep importance. To further restrict this process violates the spirit of this great state and country and runs afoul of the call of the prophets of old.”

 

Deacon Nick Bates, Hunger Network in Ohio, Columbus:

“As people of faith, we are called to love our neighbors. House Joint Resolution 6 silences the voices of our neighbors. We are called to listen to them and listen to all Ohioans as a way of showing love. That’s why we need to reject HJR6 so we can have all our voices heard and valued equally in our state.”

 

Sister Margie Davis, Dominican Sisters of Peace, Columbus:

“I feel that our democracy is really being threatened by the possible changes of House Joint Resolution 6 and other anti-voter legislation. We the people don’t have much opportunity to have a voice in the process. This takes the everyday person out of the mix.”

 

Pastor Hank Osmundson, Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio, Columbus:

“People of faith have to show up when politicians in the Statehouse try to do sickening things like push through Secretary of State LaRose’s HJR6. This is exhausting - and it’s not like Advent isn’t a busy time in the church - but this is what advocating for a multifaith and multiracial democracy looks like. So even in this busy time of the year, those who want to protect democracy must speak out to prevent this power grab.”

 

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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.