Ohio's largest Christian group decries Trump, Vance attacks on Springfield Haitian migrants
The largest organization representing the Christian faith in Ohio issued a scathing letter in defense of Haitian migrants in Springfield .
The letter released Friday evening by the Ohio Council of Churches (OCC) decried the false statements from Republican vice presidential nominee and U.S. Sen. JD Vance and running mate, former president Donald Trump, that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were eating pets and wildlife.
"We are disturbed and outraged by the reports that have masqueraded as news regarding many of our siblings in Springfield, Ohio," Rev. Jack Sullivan, executive director of the Council, wrote in an opening letter. "Public and prominent figures have intentionally crafted untruths that have assaulted the culture and character of Haitians residing in Springfield."
The OCC describes itself as representing 17 Christian faith denominations across Ohio, including 6,000 congregations and more than 3,000,000 members.
Six of the organization's 17 religious organizations included separate statements expressing solidarity with Haitians while they condemned the unfounded rumors. Instead, they encouraged providing a helping hand to Haitian migrants residing in Springfield.
Vance has already said that he will continue to "make up stories" to bring to light the suffering of Americans in towns like Springfield. Trump said that should he become president, he would deport Haitians in Springfield even though they are living there legally under a federal program.
Several government officials, including Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Springfield city officials, have repeatedly debunked the rumors and asked Trump and Vance to stop repeating them.
Several of the letters included with the OCC statement welcome Haitian migrants with open arms, condemn agitators and urge people not to partake in acts of violence or intimidation.
Multiple schools and government buildings in Springfield have been ordered closed due to bomb threats in recent weeks in the wake of the rumors, The Dispatch previously reported. DeWine ordered the state Highway Patrol to police Springfield schools.
"We send the love of the people of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Ohio to our neighbors in Springfield, including our Haitian siblings, during this time of trial and stress," Rev. Anne B. Jolly, who serves as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, wrote in a letter. "With you, we lament false rumors. With you, we deplore threats of violence. With you, we hope and pray for the love between neighbors to prevail and to emerge with the bonds of friendship strengthened and a community at peace."
Rev. Kristin Uffelman White, bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, encouraged people to support Springfield's Haitian community, including stopping sharing memes and jokes. She said people should patronize Haitian businesses and support Springfield's Haitian Community Help and Support Center.
"Friends, as Episcopalians in Ohio, we must stand strong and use the words and stories Jesus taught us," she wrote. "Together, we can confront this hate with love, this fear with compassion, these words of evil with the words of the Good News: that the way of Jesus is the way of God's boundless and never ceasing love."
The Republic of Haiti is a Caribbean nation on the island of Hispaniola alongside the Dominican Republic. The country is historically famous for becoming the first free Black republic after successfully fending a French invasion in 1803. Haiti gained its independence on Jan. 1, 1804. The United States did not officially recognize its independence until 1862.
Haiti has seen its fair share of turmoil. Powerful earthquakes have repeatedly rocked the island, and it was further thrust into chaos when its president was assassinated in July 2021 . Gangs have taken over parts of the city, prompting other countries, including Kenya and Jamaica , to send in members of their own military to bring stability.
The OCC is the latest religious affiliation to speak out about the hatred directed toward the Springfield Haitian community. The Catholic Conference of Ohio, which represents bishops from diocesan groups across the state, published a letter Thursday asking for the public to treat Haitian immigrants in Springfield with respect and dignity, warning against "unfounded gossip" and
