Dear friends,

This Sunday we will be offering the ability to participate in a bit of activism. During coffee hour, a table will be set up captained by our incredible tenor section leader, Steven Sloan. There, he will be accepting signatures against Ohio Senate Bill 1. SB1 goes after higher education, specifically attempting to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in universities, which could lead to the elimination of DEI scholarships.

Over the past few years, we have been wading into the water of activism by advocating for the world we want, not the one we live in. Looking at our values as a progressive, inclusive, community of faith, it makes sense to use our voices to speak against a bill that will “stifle scientific discovery by driving away students, teachers, and staff” (ohsb1petition.com). The Ohio Capital Journal has a great article written in March of this year which you can read here (it is also where the image for this Dear Friends comes from).

We ought to have a say in how the future of our state teaches our kids, and cares for our teachers. I ask you to use your voice and sign the petition against SB1 this Sunday during coffee hour.

Grace and peace,
George Benson (he/him)
Director of Community Engagement