Faith leaders from across NJ released the following statement on the NRCC’s latest attack ad:
“We live in an age when dark conspiracy theories abound. They deepen our political divisions, undermine trust in our institutions, and sometimes even lead to violence. Responsible leaders reject such theories, and encourage people to engage in honest debate based on facts.
Sadly, the National Republican Congressional Committee has done the opposite by sponsoring a TV ad that contains a vile attack on Congressman Malinowski, which it knows has no basis in fact. We urge the NRCC to withdraw this fear-mongering ad, and ask Senator Kean to disavow it.
The facts are that Congressman Malinowski has devoted his entire adult career to fighting for human rights, respect for civil liberties, freedom from hunger and oppression, and holding accountable those who prey on the vulnerable. He believes that every human being is created in the image of the Divine and that we all deserve to be protected from the many plagues, including Covid19, which prevent us from living productive, joyful lives.
We recognize that– in the political arena — there are significant differences which distinguish one candidate from another. We welcome and encourage debate on those issues. But we abhor and condemn in the strongest terms possible personal attacks based on lies. Such attacks undermine the moral fabric of our society and divert us from addressing the challenges which we currently face. These challenges must be resolved for our society to remain secure.”
Signed,
Rabbi Charles A. Kroloff, Rabbi Emeritus Temple Emanu-El, Westfield
Rabbi Daniel Cohen, Senior Rabbi, Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, S. Orange
Rabbi Arnold Gluck, Rabbi, Temple Beth-El, Hillsborough
Rabbi Eric Yoffie, President Emeritus of the Union for Reform Judaism
Dr. Mohammad Ali Chaudry, President, Islamic Society of Basking Ridge
Reverend Todd Buurstra, D. Min., Pastor of Worship and Witness, North Branch Reformed
Church, Bridgewater
Mrs. Ardaman Singh, Founding Member Kaur & Singh Academy and Member of Sikh Faith representing Garden State Sikh Association – Bridgewater, NJ
Dr. Alex Kharazi, Ph.D, President, Franklin Township Interfaith Council
Rev. Rick Boyer
Rev. Dr. Jennifer Cho, Senior Pastor, Bridgewater United Methodist Church, Bridgewater
V. Rev Peter Anthony Baktis, The Eastern Church, Mother of God Orthodox Church, Princeton
The Rev. Dr. David C. Lehmkuhl, Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church of Somerville, NJ
Rev. Jerry M. Sanders, Pastor, Fountain Baptist Church, Summit
Rev. Vernon Williams, Assistant to the Pastor, Fountain Baptist Church, Summit
Rev. Brooks Smith
Rev. Paul F. Rack, Pastor Emeritus, Christ Presbyterian Church, Martinsville
Rev. David Jahnke, Fanwood Presbyterian Church
Rev. Louis Ruprecht, former pastor, First Baptist Church of Westfield
Rev. Scott R. Harris, Minister of Word and Sacrament, Trinity Collegiate Church of North Plainfield, NJ
Rev. Joel W. Biggers, Interim Senior Minister, First Congregational Church of Westfield