The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) again condemns and repudiates the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. On that day our democratic form of government was assaulted; the rule of law was trampled; the U.S. Capitol was defaced; law enforcement officers were set upon; members of Congress, staffers, and others who work at the Capitol building were threatened; and, appallingly, nine deaths were caused. We lament and pray for the lives lost. May their loved ones find peace and comfort.
We pray for the healing of those who worked at the Capitol that day and who continue to suffer from major orthopedic and neurological injuries requiring surgery, and psychological disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder and heightened anxiety. May they recover and experience complete restoration physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We also pray that healing would come to our nation, recognizing that there can be no healing or restoration without truth and repair.
With great concern, we continue to witness our democracy under attack, the undermining of electoral processes, and the mockery of truth in political discourse. We support the full investigation of all those who planned and executed the attack, including the former president and his political allies, and for those found responsible to be brought to justice. We remain steadfast in praying for our government leaders, that they may pursue justice.
Since what was supposed to be the ceremonial acceptance of the 2020 election on January 6th, voting rights have been under siege across the country and voter suppression efforts have greatly intensified. We hold up the fact that the 2020 election was free and fair and has withstood all recounts and more than 60 legal challenges. We cannot ignore that many of the votes contested were legally cast by Black and Brown people in Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. These actions have proven once again that the vestiges of racism and White supremacy are still affecting and infecting our nation. To ensure our democracy prevails, the NCC calls on the Senate to pass the Freedom to Vote Act, which includes many of the most important provisions that were in the For the People Act passed by the House, and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Both will safeguard and improve our democratic processes and ensure Americans can safely and freely cast our ballots so that every voice is heard, and our elections reflect the will of the people.
We cannot deny that Christian nationalism was on display during the attack on the Capitol when the largely white movement attempted to elevate their actions as being closely aligned with God. Many falsely proclaimed that they were battling the forces of darkness so that they could use all means, even undemocratic and violent ones, in order to win their political contest. We outright reject these claims. Christian nationalism is of great concern to the members of the NCC and, indeed, to all Americans who are committed to justice and peace. On April 20, 2021, the Governing Board of the NCC adopted The Dangers of Christian Nationalism in the United States: A Policy Statement of the National Council of Churches, which challenges the Christian nationalism on display during the attack on the Capitol and that has seeped into American life.
The NCC is committed to working to end the divisiveness within our communities. Nothing less than radical hospitality and love, generosity and sacrifice are necessary to secure justice and peace.