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A Public Witness from Southern Arizona Clergy
Un testimonio público del clero del sur de Arizona
For God So Loved the World: A Christian Witness Against Harm
Porque Dios amó tanto al mundo: Un testimonio cristiano contra el daño
As faith leaders representing a spectrum of Christian traditions, we write with an urgent call to Christians to speak out for the way of Jesus and against devastation being done to our neighbors and planet. As faith leaders, we bear witness daily to the teaching of Jesus Christ—a message grounded in love and compassion that provides wisdom for humans seeking to live in respectful relationship with God's creation and one another.
Clergy have too often been complicit or silent in times of crisis. We are negligent if we remain so now. We do not speak for all Christians, nor do we represent everyone in our faith communities. We preach, lead and act in diverse ways, yet we have found a collective voice and are compelled now to speak in opposition to the harmful policies and actions we are witnessing in our nation, including by the President of the United States, the Administration, elected officials, judges, and the public, including people identifying as Christian.
Jesus’ way of love leads us to see worth, dignity, and opportunity in all. Jesus repaired divisions, welcomed outsiders, and retained traditions that guide how we live together. Jesus gathered people to address injustices and harm, explicitly lifting up the poor and vulnerable, prioritizing compassion and empathy. Our nation’s leaders have not often prioritized those on the margins. Since Inauguration Day of this year, we have witnessed a dizzying number of harmful policies, practices, and rhetoric. Although deceptively clothed in Christian language and symbolism, these actions invert Jesus’ ministry and teachings.
We commit to a message of hope in response to the following specific actions of this current administration. These actions are daily assaults against God’s beloved creation, including human decency, and especially including persons on the margins and most vulnerable. God’s way of freedom, justice, and love is a path forward for all people. Instead of division, we can work together to help workers, families, and communities thrive. Instead of scarcity, we can work together to encourage growth and flourishing for people and the planet.
“For God so loved the whole world” describes God’s dream for humanity, in contrast to the scapegoating, fear and intimidation that characterize this administration. Therefore, we denounce the following:
people being taken, imprisoned, and deported without due process
the criminalization of workers and children without reason
immigration raids that bring daily fear to families and communities.
“God created the world and called it good” describes God’s dream for creation. Therefore, we denounce the following:
ecological irresponsibility that imperils God's Earth and all who inhabit it.
the use of retaliation and name-calling to suppress the freedom of expression among individuals and institutions in this country
the inherent racism in efforts to ban books, end diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and distort the truthful teaching of our nation's history.
the bullying and discriminatory practices aimed at LGBTQ individuals, especially children.
"For the least of these” is Jesus’ vision of a world where people are free to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and respect the humanity of those imprisoned (Matthew 25:31-46). Therefore, we denounce the following and more:
cutting Medicaid and health insurance, essential to the wellbeing of millions of people;
closing our nation’s borders to people seeking haven from genuine harm;
sweeping travel and visa bans that categorize people as potential threats;
the efforts to unconstitutionally withhold citizenship from children born in this country;
gutting of USAID and other international humanitarian assistance; which has already resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of children worldwide;
the withholding of billions of dollars of federal funds to educational institutions which are essential for vital research.
We call ourselves to account and invite others into practices of bold mercy, justice, and compassion. With our words and actions, we will work for the common good of Earth and its inhabitants. We call on our nation’s leaders and community members of all faith traditions and life experiences to receive the wisdom of God's sacred teaching.
We turn toward one another seeking goodness, not greatness.
Como líderes religiosos que representamos una variedad de tradiciones cristianas, escribimos con un llamado a los cristianos para que levanten la voz en favor del camino de Jesús y ante el daño que se está causando a nuestros vecinos y al planeta. Como líderes religiosos, damos testimonio diario de las enseñanzas de Jesucristo, un mensaje basado en el amor y la compasión que proporciona sabiduría a los seres humanos que buscan vivir en una relación respetuosa con la creación de Dios y entre ellos.
A veces, el clero ha sido con demasiada frecuencia cómplice o silencioso en tiempos de crisis. Sería una negligencia por nuestra parte seguir haciéndolo ahora. No hablamos en nombre de todos los cristianos, ni representamos a todos los miembros de nuestras comunidades religiosas. Predicamos, lideramos y actuamos de diversas maneras, pero hemos encontrado una voz colectiva y nos vemos obligados a pronunciarnos en contra de las políticas y acciones perjudiciales que estamos presenciando en nuestra nación, incluidas las del presidente de los Estados Unidos, la Administración, los funcionarios electos, los jueces y el público, incluidas las personas que se identifican como cristianas.
El camino del amor de Jesús nos lleva a ver el valor, la dignidad y las oportunidades en todos. Jesús reparó divisiones, acogió a los forasteros y conservó las tradiciones que guían nuestra convivencia. Jesús reunió a las personas para abordar las injusticias y los daños, elevando explícitamente a los pobres y vulnerables, dando prioridad a la compasión y la empatía. Los líderes de nuestra nación no han dado a menudo prioridad a los marginados. Desde el día de la toma de posesión de este año, hemos sido testigos de un número vertiginoso de políticas, prácticas y retórica perjudiciales. Aunque revestidas engañosamente de lenguaje y simbolismo cristianos, estas acciones invierten el ministerio y las enseñanzas de Jesús.
Nos comprometemos con un mensaje de esperanza en respuesta a las siguientes acciones específicas de la actual administración. Estas acciones son ataques diarios contra la amada creación de Dios, incluida la dignidad humana, y especialmente contra las personas marginadas y más vulnerables. El camino de Dios hacia la libertad, la justicia y el amor es un camino a seguir para todas las personas. En lugar de la división, podemos trabajar juntos para ayudar a los trabajadores, las familias y las comunidades a prosperar. En lugar de la escasez, podemos trabajar juntos para fomentar el crecimiento y el florecimiento de las personas y el planeta.
Porque Dios amó tanto al mundo describe el sueño de Dios para la humanidad, en contraste con la búsqueda de chivos expiatorios, el miedo y la intimidación que caracterizan a esta administración. Por lo tanto, denunciamos lo siguiente:
que se detenga, encarcele y deporte a personas sin el debido proceso
la criminalización de trabajadores y niños sin motivo alguno
las redadas de inmigración que provocan miedo diario a las familias y comunidades
Dios creó el mundo y lo vio bueno describe el sueño de Dios para la creación. Por lo tanto, denunciamos lo siguiente:
la irresponsabilidad ecológica que pone en peligro la Tierra de Dios y a todos los que la habitan;
el uso de represalias e insultos para suprimir la libertad de expresión entre las personas y las instituciones de este país;
el racismo inherente a los esfuerzos por prohibir libros, acabar con los programas de diversidad, equidad e inclusión, y distorsionar la enseñanza veraz de la historia de nuestra nación;
las prácticas de acoso y discriminación dirigidas a las personas LGBTQ, especialmente a los niños.
Por los más pequeños es la visión de Jesús de un mundo en el que las personas son libres de alimentar al hambriento, acoger al extranjero, vestir al desnudo, cuidar al enfermo y respetar la humanidad de los encarcelados (Mateo 25:31-46). Por lo tanto, denunciamos lo siguiente y más:
el recorte de Medicaid y del seguro médico, esenciales para el bienestar de millones de personas
el cierre de las fronteras de nuestra nación a las personas que buscan refugio de un daño real
las prohibiciones generales de viajar y de obtener visados que clasifican a las personas como amenazas potenciales;
los esfuerzos por negar inconstitucionalmente la ciudadanía a los niños nacidos en este país
el recorte de la USAID y otras ayudas humanitarias internacionales, lo que ya ha provocado la muerte de cientos de miles de niños en todo el mundo
la retención de miles de millones de dólares de fondos federales destinados a instituciones educativas que son esenciales para la investigación vital
Nos exigimos rendir cuentas e invitamos a otros a practicar la misericordia, la justicia y la compasión audaces. Con nuestras palabras y acciones, trabajaremos por el bien común de la Tierra y sus habitantes. Hacemos un llamamiento a los líderes de nuestra nación y a los miembros de la comunidad de todas las tradiciones religiosas y experiencias de vida para que reciban la sabiduría de las enseñanzas sagradas de Dios.
Nos volvemos unos hacia otros en busca de la bondad, no de la grandeza.
Translation provided by A and M Chavez.
Signers/Firmado
Signers/Firmado
The following clergy live and serve in Southern Arizona.
Signed,
Rev. Debora Adinolfi, Episcopal Church
Rev. Lanine Allen, Episcopal Church
Rev. Rosemary Anderson, United Methodist Church
Rev. John Angiulo, United Church of Christ
Rev. Paula Barker Datsko, Episcopal Church
Rev. Lynn Bartlow, United Methodist Church
Rev. Franklyn Bergen, Episcopal Church
Rev. Gayle Bintliff, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Noel E. Bordador, Episcopal Church
Rev. Jessica Braxton, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Rev. Carol Breimeier, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Michael Bush, United Church of Christ
Rev. David Buss, United Church of Christ
Rev. Mateo Chavez, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. John Cheek, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. Kay Childs-Travis, Covenant Presbyterian Church
Rev. Peggy Christiansen, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. Allison Cornell, Episcopal Church
Rev. Kim Crecca, Episcopal Church
Rev. Gary Cyr, Episcopal Church
Rev. Tracy Daub, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. Jay Deskins, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Rev. Kelley Dick, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Rev. Jeffrey Dixon, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. Mary Chotard Doll, Episcopal Church
Rev. Ash Dotson, United Methodist Church
Rev. Thomas Dunham, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Sharon Dunn, Episcopal Church
Rev. Denise Edwards, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Susan Erickson, Episcopal Church
Rev. Kurt Fangmeier, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. David Fife, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. John Fife, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. Geoffrey Glaser, Episcopal Church
Rev. Dr. Lisa Graumlich, Episcopal Church
Rev. Alisa Guardiola Gonzalez, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Rev. Dorothy A. Gutwein, Episcopal Church
Rev. Alison Harrington, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. Mary Schindel Harris, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. Dr. Jay Hartley, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Judicatory Head
Rev. Greg Hartman, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Naomi Hartman, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Canon David Benedict Hedges, BSG, Episcopal Church
Rev. Daniel A. Hodgson, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. John Hoelter, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. L Rachel Howell, Palo Verde Church of Christ
Rev. Ellie Hutchinson, The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries
Bp. Rev. Deborah Hutterer, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Judicatory Head
Rev. Dr. Rodney Hutton, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. John Indermark, United Church of Christ
Rev. Jarrod Iversen, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Amy Janssen, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Dan Johnson, Evangelical Covenant
Rev. Meredith Joubert, United Methodist Church
Rev. John D. Kautz, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Steve Keplinger, Episcopal Church
Rev. Dr. John Leech, Episcopal Church
Rev. Dr. Jean Leih, Baptist General Conference
Rev. Wyatt Linde, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Louis Liss, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Elizabeth Lyman, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. Karen MacDonald, United Church of Christ
Rev. Dr. Richard Mallory, Episcopal Church
Rev. Frederick J. Masterman, Episcopal Church
Rev. Stewart McDonald, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Lesli McGowan, United Methodist Church
Rev. Dominic Moore, Episcopal Church
Rev. Dr. Brad Munroe, Presbyterian Church (USA), Judicatory Head
Rev. Laura Munroe, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. Tony Ontanyon, United Methodist Church
Rev. David Pavesic, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Christine Petersen-Snyder, Episcopal Church
Rev. Carol Peterson, United Church of Christ
Rev. Dr. George Pike, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. Sharon Ragland, United Methodist Church
Rev. Beth Rambikur, United Methodist Church
Bp. Rev. Dr. Carlo Rapanut, United Methodist Church, Judicatory Head
The Right Reverend Jennifer Reddall, Episcopal Church, Judicatory Head
Rev. Gerald Richard, African Methodist Episcopal
Fr. Raymond Riding, S.T., Roman Catholic
Rev. Ron Rude, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Dcn. Leah Sandwell-Weiss, Episcopal Church
Rev. Canon Joanna Satorius, Episcopal Church
Tina Schlabach, Mennonite Church USA
Lisa Showalter, Mennonite Church USA
Rev. Bart Smith, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. Elizabeth Smith, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. Dr. Michael D. Smith, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. Richard Smith, United Church of Christ
Rev. Karla Spence, Cornerstone Fellowship
Rev. Stephen Springer, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Rachel Srubas, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. Alexander Swain, Episcopal Church
Rev. Susan Swanson, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Timothy Swanson, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Drew Terry, United Church of Christ
Rev. Judith Turberg, Episcopal Church
Rev. Amalia Vagts, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Daniel Valasakos, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Deacon Wendi VanBeek, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Raul Velazquez, United Methodist Church
Elder Margot Walker, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. Shirley Wells, United Methodist Church
Rev. Dr. Brooke Wilkerson, United Methodist Church
Rev. Michael Wilkerson, United Methodist Church
Rev. Carla Williams, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Background
Background
This statement is the work of a grassroots movement of clergy in Southern Arizona who began meeting in May of 2025 as an ecumenical working group—pastors, deacons, active and retired—committed to offering a clear, public Christian witness in response to a deepening national crisis.
As our first collective action, we finalized and published this public statement in August of 2025 addressing urgent events unfolding in our nation and world. The initial publication on August 15, 2025 included nearly 80 cosigners.
We now invite others across Southern Arizona to join in continued witness and action rooted in the way of Jesus.
We encourage those from outside Southern Arizona to form a grassroots group to develop words and actions suitable for your local context, joining in God's movement where you are.
Ministerio Cristiano del Sur de Arizona
Christian Ministerium of Southern Arizona
Questions?
Questions?
Email:
bearwitnessnow7(at)gmail(dot)com for corrections or questions.
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