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Ohio Faith Leaders Applaud Historic Biden SCOTUS Nominee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, February 25, 2022

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Christy Setzer, christy@newheightscommunications.com | 617-512-7572

Ohio Faith Leaders Applaud Historic Biden SCOTUS Nominee

Columbus, Ohio– Today, President Joe Biden nominated Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court of the United States. 

Rev. Dr. Amariah McIntosh, Ohio Council of Churches, Bowling Green:

“It has been said that rather than a melting pot, America is more like a tossed salad. Each ingredient adds its own essence and flavor. As a Black woman I am thrilled that finally someone who looks like me will have the opportunity to sit on the highest court in the land. It is long past time for Black women to have a seat on our nation’s highest court. The nomination of Judge Ketani Brown Jackson is a historic step and a promise kept.”

Rev. Dr. Susan Smith, Crazy Faith Ministries, Columbus:

“In a time when so much in this country is becoming destabilized, it is gratifying that the first Black woman, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, has been nominated to serve on the nation’s highest court. It is my hope that her presence will help stabilize and help establish the court as a voice for all of America’s citizens, not just a wealthy few. I see this as a moral decision on the part of President Biden in a time of deep and rancid partisanship. My prayers are with Judge Jackson as she enters the confirmation process.”

Elaina Ramsey, Faith Choice Ohio, Canal Winchester:

“While we celebrate this historic moment for our nation, Jackson’s appointment is just the first step among many to fix a profoundly broken system that has left so many Americans without a seat at the table. A new Supreme Court justice alone cannot mend the hearts, psyches, and laws of a nation torn apart by decades of undermining voting rights and basic liberties for queer and trans communities, Black and Brown folks, immigrants, disabled people, and those seeking abortion access. We must continue to fight for a Supreme Court that better reflects the diverse America it serves and an uncompromising commitment to equal justice for all.”

Rev. Raymond Greene, Jr., The Freedom BLOC, Akron:

“Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is one of the brightest legal minds in the country with a well-rounded set of experiences in the legal system and judiciary that will make her an exceptional Justice. I celebrate her and this groundbreaking turn of events for our country and the future of democracy, the poor and women’s rights.” 

Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, General Minister and President, United Church of Christ, Cleveland:

“In our 247th year, we the people of the United States have our first black woman as a nominee for the Supreme Court. We can’t help but rejoice in this – but how dare we not weep as well. There were countless Ketanji Brown Jackson’s before this day who were never considered because of their race and gender. So, I celebrate this day long overdue – and recognize that but for white supremacy and privilege it would have happened long ago.”

Sister Carren Herring, Sisters of Mercy (RSM), Cincinnati:

“How long, oh Lord, how long have we women waited to be at the table of leadership and decision making. Thank you for gifting Ketanji Brown Jackson with wisdom to be a member of our highest court where all can look for justice.”

Rev. Joan VanBecelaere, North Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Lewis Center:

“Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is an excellent nominee for the Supreme Court. Not only is she a graduate of Harvard Law and clerked for Judge Stephen Breyer, but she has experience as a public defender as well as private lawyer. Her public defense work has given her insight into the concerns and needs of ordinary people and she has a reputation of honoring the worth and dignity of all. This is the kind of experience that the US Supreme Court needs now and in years to come.”

Rev. Dan Clark, Faith in Public Life, Newark: 

“The Supreme Court represents the highest ideals of wisdom and fairness. I celebrate President Biden’s nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson because no matter where we live or how we pray, our nation is better when we have justices who honor our dignity and protect our equal rights. Holy Scriptures give a stern warning to those who make unjust laws, pass oppressive decrees, and deprive rights. So I pray that as Ketanji Brown Jackson is quickly confirmed by the Senate and takes her seat on the bench, the judicial branch of our government will offer the necessary checks and balances so that all Americans can flourish.”

Deacon Nick Bates, Hunger Network in Ohio, Columbus:

“I offer my prayers for God’s wisdom to guide future Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to promote justice in our land and in our laws. We are faced with serious issues in our communities and we need strong leaders with diverse backgrounds and experiences to identify and protect the guardrails of our democracy.”

Pastor Hank Osmundson, Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio, Delaware:

“President Biden’s nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court is a long overdue, but welcome, step in the right direction. Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio celebrates this historic moment and what it means for our country. Although there is still a long journey ahead, the vision of a multi-racial and multi-faith democracy that the United States should be just became a little clearer today.”

Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens, First Congregational Church, Columbus:

“As we prepare to welcome the first Black woman Supreme Court Justice, I have been reflecting on the powerful presence of Justice Thurgood Marshall as the first Black man to serve on our highest court. Justice Marshall once wrote: “I wish I could say that racism and prejudice were only distant memories. We must dissent from the indifference. We must dissent from the apathy. We must dissent from the fear, the hatred and the mistrust… We must dissent because America can do better, because America has no choice but to do better.” It is time to do better once again. The powerful presence and perspective of the first Black woman on the court will change the way we dissent from racism, prejudice, indifference, apathy, fear, and hatred. I, for one, look forward to the day we do better.”

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Faith in Public Life 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.

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