Clergy Urge Sen. Portman to Reject the Nomination of Sen. Jeff Sessions for Attorney General

Ahead of the Senate Judiciary Committee vote for Sen. Jeff Sessions, a diverse group of Cleveland clergy and community leaders will deliver a statewide petition urging Sen Portman to vote “no” on Sessions

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Cleveland, OH — On Thursday, January 26, at 1 p.m., a prominent coalition of interfaith clergy and community leaders delivered a Declaration of Moral Resistance asking Sen. Rob Portman to reject the nomination of Sen. Jeff Sessions for U.S. Attorney General, and only support cabinet appointees who understand that forging a more tolerant and inclusive America is the best way forward.

Bishop Tony Minor, Community of Faith Assembly:

“Senator Sessions’ life and work is in opposition to people of faith. We desire an inclusive world and an Attorney General who is fair and reflective of who we are.”

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Julia Shearson, Executive Director of Council on American Islamic-Relations-Ohio, Cleveland Chapter:

“I am here to urge Sen. Rob Portman to make a difficult but honorable choice to go against the grain of his party and take what may perhaps be an uncomfortable stance in declining to advance the nomination of a fellow senator. I assure you, Honorable Senator Portman, by rejecting this nomination, you may indeed win the disapproval of your colleagues, but you will win the approval of history.”

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Tricia Dykers Koenig, National Organizer, Covenant Network of Presbyterians:

“As a Christian whose guiding ethic is ‘love your neighbor as yourself’, I am concerned for the rights of the most vulnerable in our society. Senator Sessions’ record and rhetoric demonstrate that he is not willing to do that job.”

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