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The Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President/CEO of the United Church of Christ, has joined over 70 faith leaders in signing a statement denouncing political violence and attacks on free speech. The statement was created by Faith Leaders for Freedom, a project based at the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University.
The statement warns about the increasing normalization of violence and rising authoritarian threats to democratic freedoms in the United States. Other signatories include the Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), as well as Rev. Roberto Ochoa, Conference Minister for Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota Conferences, and Rev. David Long-Higgins, Heartland Conference Conference Minister.
“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.”
Recent incidents highlight these concerns. Last week in Grand Blanc, Michigan, a gunman drove his truck into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before opening fire on worshippers and setting fire to the building. Five people were killed, eight were injured, and police killed the shooter.
Two weeks ago, late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel’s program was removed from ABC’s schedule after he commented on President Donald Trump and his supporters’ response to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“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,” said Rev. Michael Neuroth, Director of the Office of Public Policy and Advocacy. “We must safeguard both free speech and the rights of nonprofits, especially as these fundamental freedoms face growing threats.”
Rev. Jim Wallis, founding director of the Center on Faith and Justice, emphasized that faith communities will not remain silent amid such challenges. “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.”
