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Clergy representing POWER\u2019s multi-faith coalition across southeastern and central Pennsylvania stand in opposition to President Trump\u2019s visit to the state on Thursday. They believe that Trump\u2019s efforts to prematurely reopen virus-stricken Pennsylvania counties devalues human life, especially those of essential workers, the elderly, and those with preexisting conditions. It\u2019s also an affront to Black Pennsylvanians, who are 2.5 times more likely to die if they contract COVID-19. Clergy are on the frontlines of the pandemic \u2013 attending the sick, consoling the grieving, and burying the dead \u2013 and they see first-hand how Pennsylvanians are affected.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis premature reopening is not a life-giving choice,\u201d says Rev. Alicia Julia-Stanley, pastor of Covenant United Methodist Church in Lebanon. \u201cOpening without placing safety measures to prevent a resurgence of this virus, is not only irresponsible, it can be deadly: for the frontline warriors and their families, and for the vulnerable population.\u201d<\/p>\n
In Lehigh County, the site of President Trump\u2019s visit Thursday, there have been over 3200 confirmed cases of the virus. And those are only the documented cases of those who were able to get tested.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s clear that Donald Trump\u2019s visit to Pennsylvania and Lehigh County in particular has nothing to do with his interest in the well-being of Pennsylvanians or residents of our county,\u201d says Rev. Gregory Edwards of Resurrected Life Community Church in Allentown. \u201cIt\u2019s a political stunt meant to rattle the chain of Governor Wolf, who in this moment has demonstrated courageous leadership by placing a higher value on human life than the politics of greed and division.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pennsylvania government has spoken on the COVID-19 response and a gradual, evidence-based reopening. In a federal democracy like the United States, there is a division of power between federal and state governments.<\/p>\n
\u201cPennsylvanians elected our state government, and Trump\u2019s visit here is an attempt to undermine our rights as voters. We have a strong history of democracy in this state and we won\u2019t accept this overreach,\u201d says Bishop Dwayne Royster, Interim Executive Director of POWER. \u201cAs Pennsylvanians and people of faith, we take care of one another. We\u2019re a community. And we\u2019re not willing to sacrifice our people for profit.\u201d<\/p>\n
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POWER is an interfaith organization committed to implementing systemic change for the betterment of Pennsylvania. We represent populace from across the Greater Philadelphia area and Southeastern and Central parts of the state, transcending borders across race, faith, income level, and neighborhood. Learn more at www.powerinterfaith.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nInformation provided to TVL by:
\nEmilie Haertsch, MFA
\nDirector of Communications<\/p>\n