Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Coalition Of 4000 Ohio Church Congregations Calls For Peaceful Protests

More protests could happen this week in Ohio or at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. The Ohio Council of Churches is condemning threats of possible violence at them.

The Ohio Council of Churches represents 4000 congregations and two-million members across the state, including the United Methodist Church. Rev. Gregory Vaughn Palmer is the Resident Bishop for the West Ohio Conference. He says churches need to emphasize peaceful protest and community outreach. 

“We affirm that absent truthful speech, there can never be justice," Palmer says.

The council says churches must remind members to keep protests peaceful, especially during the week of the inauguration of incoming President Joe Biden. 

Some churches themselves believe they could be under threat. The United Church of Christ issued a warning last week to its churches to beware of possible violence related to some of the protests that could happen in coming days. Most UCC churches, as well as many others, have been holding services virtually for months now. 

Copyright 2021 The Statehouse News Bureau

Jo Ingles is a professional journalist who covers politics and Ohio government for the Ohio Public Radio and Television for the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau. She reports on issues of importance to Ohioans including education, legislation, politics, and life and death issues such as capital punishment.