For Immediate Release: January 6, 2021
CONTACT: Shannon Craig Straw | (202) 674-5921 | shannon@westendstrategy.com
WASHINGTON — Faith leaders called for peace and accountability after individuals stormed the U.S. Capitol Building today as Congress began its process to certify the 2020 Electoral College vote in accordance with the Constitution. In a statement, the Rev. Alvin Herring, executive director of Faith in Action, the largest faith-based grassroots organizing network, called the violence a direct assault on democracy and urged Congress to move swiftly to complete the certification process:
“What we are witnessing is what years of lies and violent, hate-filled rhetoric from those occupying the highest offices in the land have wrought. It is an insurrection and if happening in any other country it’d be labeled a coup. It is a direct threat to the democratic values at the heart of the nearly 2 million sacred conversations that we hosted in this past election season.
“It is also not lost on me that today’s insurrectionists were met with a minimal police presence and able to storm the United States Capitol Building with flags bearing Trump’s name and symbols of white supremacy, while peaceful protestors this summer were met with police, the National Guard and federal agents as well as tear gas.
“In this moment, amid the fear I feel, I am reminded of our collective call to be peacemakers – that we are required to act justly, love kindness, and walk with our God. Let me be clear, however, peacemaking is not a passive act, for there is no peace without justice, accountability or love.
“As people of faith, our voices are needed in this moment. There must be nothing to interrupt the democratic process – Congress must act now to certify the votes of the Electoral College as required by the Constitution. And the insurrectionists – and those who have implicitly encouraged them – must be held accountable for their actions.
“And so, I invite collaborators, co-creators and fellow makers of good trouble, to join me in praying for healing while we actively strive for peace and that which builds each other up.”
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Faith in Action, formerly known as PICO National Network, is the largest grassroots, faith-based organizing network in the United States. The nonpartisan organization works with 1,000 religious congregations in more than 200 cities and towns through its 46 local and state federations. For more information, visit www.faithinaction.org.
Faith in Action is a 501c(3). Faith in Action and its affiliates are non-partisan and are not aligned explicitly or implicitly with any candidate or party. We do not endorse or support candidates for office.
