Wisconsin Faith Leaders to Congress: “Certify Election, Respect Wisconsin Voters”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT
Monica Forero, monica@newheightscommunications.com, (703) 953-0141
WISCONSIN FAITH LEADERS TO CONGRESS: “CERTIFY ELECTION, RESPECT WISCONSIN VOTERS”
Faith leaders call objections to certification “an act of disrespect,” say “it’s time for the truth to win”
Madison, WI — Today, Wisconsin faith leaders called on Congress to respect Wisconsinites’ votes and certify the election results, ahead of a vote in Congress on certification. While voters elected Joe Biden in the November election, certain members of Congress, including Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson, plan to object to the certification.
During the press conference, faith leaders of all denominations offered words and prayers of truthfulness and justice rooted in faithful texts, scriptures and songs.
To watch a recording of the event, click here.
Rev. Kerri Parker, Executive Director of Wisconsin Council of Churches: “Today, some of our elected officials have chosen to call into question a fair and orderly process. This is an act of disrespect. It disrespects the work of election officials and voters who cast their ballots, trusting their vote would be counted. Those who disrespect the work of this day disrespect generations who’ve upheld the work of democracy, and the hope of a system that truly represents the people.”
Rev. Roger Bertschausen, Interim Minister, First Unitarian Society of Madison: “The challenges to the election have been reviewed and adjudicated in our legal system. No evidence of significant fraud has been proven in court. So, it’s time for truth to win. And the truth is, our country has voted on a new leader. This is how democracy works, and it’s how democracy has worked in our country for over 200 years.”
Rev. Christie Melby-Gibbons, Moravian Church: “I’m grateful for the work the Wisconsin people have put into the election. I want to call on our senators and representatives today to honor the voice and the vote of the people and to uphold truthfulness and rightness. Fear not, don’t be afraid, and watch what happens when truth prevails.”
Rev. Walter Lanier, Pastor Progressive Baptist Church, Milwaukee: “We have to acknowledge there are wicked deeds and acts, and we cannot be complicit in this wickedness. We have to choose whom we should serve. This is a clear moment to follow truth, righteousness, the will of the people and to be servants of the public and not servants of a man.”
Rabbi Bonnie Margulis, Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice: “Our votes have been counted, and our voices have been heard. It’s time now to celebrate our democracy and to look to the challenges and opportunities ahead of us. On Inauguration Day, we’ll celebrate the peaceful transition of power as we have done for 244 years. Then, our newly elected representatives must get down to the business of governing, to stem the spread of this pandemic, to help our hardworking families struggling in this economy, to address the looming reality of climate change and to root out the racism that’s too long poisoned our society.”
# # #
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, we are leading the fight to advance just policies at the local, state and federal levels. Our network of 50,000 leaders engage in bold moral action that affirms our values and the human dignity of all.