UCC GMP signs on to statement denouncing political violence and attacks on free speech

The Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, United Church of Christ General Minister and President/CEO joined more than 70 other faith leaders in signing on to a statement authored denouncing political violence and attacks on free speech. 

The statement, authored by Faith Leaders for Freedom, a project housed by the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. warns against the “growing normalization of violence and the rise of authoritarian threats to democratic freedoms in the United States.”

In addition to Thompson, the Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) signed on the statement. The Rev. Roberto Ochoa, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota Conferences Conference Minister, the Rev. David Long-Higgins, Heartland Conference Conference Minister, and the Rev. Freeman Palmer, Central Atlantic Conference Conference Minister also signed on to voice their support.

“This statement was important to support because it signified a communal concern for the political violence and advocated for peaceful engagement and free speech at a time when violence is escalating and free speech is threatened,” Thompson said. “Our voice is louder when joined with the voices of others.”

The statement comes as incidents of political violence and attacks on free speech continue to rise across the United States. Just last week, a gunman drove his truck into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan before opening fire on worshippers and burning the church to the ground. Five people were killed in the attack, and 8 others suffered injuries. The shooter was killed by police. And just two weeks ago, late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel found himself in the middle of a free speech war, as his show was pulled from ABC’s schedule following his monologue about president Donald Trump and his supporters’ reaction to the assassination of conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

Safeguarding Fundamental Rights

“I endorsed the letter to uphold two vital truths: violence is never the answer and the right to speak up against injustice must be protected,” Rev. Michael Neuroth, Director of the Office of Public Policy and Advocacy said. “We must safeguard both free speech and the rights of nonprofits, especially as these fundamental freedoms face growing threats.”

Rev. Jim Wallis, the founding director of the Center on Faith and Justice said this statement shows that people of faith will not stand silently in the face of violence or threats to fundamental freedoms. 

“Sadly, the urgency of our collective witness could not be clearer. [This] administration’s continued threats to target nonprofits and free speech deepen our concern for democracy,” Wallis said in a written statement. “This statement is a powerful and timely response to these escalating dangers.” 

You can read the full statement HERE.

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