Last night we watched as tear gas and rubber bullets were used against a peaceful crowd exercising their First Amendment rights to assemble and protest in Lafayette Park across from the White House, the People’s House. This was done to clear a path for the current occupant to stride across the park, wielding a Bible for the sole purpose of having a photo-op at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Rather than offering words of wisdom, hope, and healing in the face of our suffering, the President instead sought to drive us further apart, using faith as a weapon.
As an American and an Episcopalian I am deeply disturbed. I have attended peaceful protests and marches in that very park and worshiped as an Episcopalian in our nation’s Capital and here at home in New Jersey. Last night we witnessed a stunning betrayal of our Constitution, an utter lack of presidential leadership, and a corrupt, co-opting of Christianity.
Every one of us deserves to feel safe in our communities.