FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
We at Church of the Earth condemn yesterday’s acts of lawlessness and violence at our Capitol. We respect the right to free expression, but not to the point of coercion and endangerment of others. We also rebuke those who incited and have subsequently defended this violence. One of our core tenets is to take responsibility for our own actions; now we call for those involved in this reprehensible day to be held accountable for theirs.
On January 6, 2021, a violent mob attacked the Capitol building, interrupting the joint session of our Congress certifying the Electoral College votes for the 2020 election. Congress was moved to safety while the mob wandered the halls, breaking into the Senate and House Chambers, and personal offices. There were multiple injuries and five fatalities. The rioters were eventually extricated from the building and, after 5 hours, Congress took up where it left off. In the wee hours of January 7, Congress certified the election results in the final step before the Inauguration.