Largest Christian organization in Ohio stands up

The Ohio Council of Churches (OCC) — the largest organization of Christians and Christian congregations in Ohio, with more than 3,000,000 members — issued a package of “pastoral letters” from OCC members.

In the opening missive the organization’s Executive Director, the Rev. Jack Sullivan, Jr., DMin, DHL, wrote:

“While we cannot remove this irresponsible and ominous disinformation from the many media networks and platforms in the United States and beyond, we do possess the ability to counter it by publicly offering words of goodwill, hope, and love for all residents of Springfield, including our Haitian siblings. We believe such words can help transform the social exit ramps of scapegoating and othering into entrance ramps for relationships based on honor, hospitality, and love.

“We the member communions of the Ohio Council of Churches, a Jesus Christ movement for unity, justice, and peace, take delight in the present and emerging diversity of Springfield. As Jesus informs us that Christian faithfulness includes welcoming strangers in our midst (Matthew 25), we join Ohioans of faith and hospitality by saying to our Haitian siblings, “Welcome to Ohio!” We gladly receive the gifts of your heritage along with the promise of your hopes for a future sparked by peace and achievement, where we, your neighbors, will joyfully join you in contributing to the common good.”

Sullivan’s letter was followed by messages from leaders of the Ohio Council of Churches Governing Board.