NORTH CENTRAL OHIO — Faith leaders across the Buckeye Bible Belt say there are coordinated efforts to decriminalize illicit drug use and corrupt society. In an open letter dated April 20th to area mayors and local chambers of commerce, local clergy held a press conference announcing a new campaign promoting local community standards in a grassroots effort to stop the legalization of marijuana.
The clergymen believe their campaign will be a defining moment for their region.
“We support vibrant communities and encourage policymakers to “Believe Local,” Mansfield Pastor Joe Nichols said during the press conference. “Therefore, based on local community standards reflected in its history and leadership, and as clergymen representing one hundred and ten (110) congregations across North Central Ohio, we believe the legalization of recreational marijuana and the relaxation of drug enforcement laws like syringe exchange programs and designated outdoor refreshment areas disrupt health and safety and are morally wrong.”
During the briefing, Pastor Chad Hayes sounded the alarm on the substance abuse crisis. Hayes leads a faith-based RU Recovery drug treatment ministry to battle drug addiction.
“The stabilizing Judeo-Christian foundations of our society are under assault. With a skyrocketing Opioid Crisis and the implementation of drug-legalization policies, our vibrant communities are being threatened. As the Bible says in the Book of Psalms, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Pastor Hayes asked.
“We support vibrant communities and encourage policymakers to ‘Believe Local.’ Therefore, based on local community standards reflected in its history and leadership, and as clergymen representing one hundred and ten (110) congregations across North Central Ohio, we believe the legalization of recreational marijuana and the relaxation of drug enforcement laws like syringe exchange programs and designated outdoor refreshment areas disrupt health and safety and are morally wrong.”
Pastor Joe Nichols in Clergy letter sent to north cental ohio economic leaders
The clergymen wrote that results from states who have already legalized the Schedule 1 narcotic: marijuana, have shown negative impacts on brain development in youth, increases in road deaths, surges in chronic absenteeism, and the fortification of the black market. Historically, the faith community has wanted none of the impacts marijuana brings to the table.
Mansfield Pastor Bobby Edwards stated, “As key stakeholders with numerous drug treatment ministries, we believe the legalization of marijuana, and the ratification of syringe exchange programs and DORA zones do not meet local community standards. There is no question the faith community has historically been unified with one voice in opposing the legalization of marijuana, thwarting syringe exchange programs, and countering beer gardens on public property. After all, several area police departments display the words “In GOD we trust” on their patrol vehicles.”
Pastors Joe Nichols and Bobby Edwards both have churches centrally located in urban settings that minister to broken families dealing with substance abuse.
The clergy wrote in their letter that the region’s local community standards are based on Judeo-Christian values. “Many can still remember when national headlines of lead clergymen from one hundred-fifty local congregations across North Central Ohio declared 2019 as the “Year of the Bible.” Following this declaration at BibleWalk Museum, various elected leaders representing the region have publicly validated these values.”
Pastor Dr. Ricky Branham commented, “We (clergy) partner with Mayor Theaker as he works to ‘make Mansfield the best city in which to live, work, worship and raise a family.’ We agree with the Ontario City Council President Gallo who said ‘Ontario is a faith-based community.’ We support Mayor Miller as he ‘gives the City of Ashland to the LORD Jesus Christ.’ And we join the Board of Commissioners in proclaiming ‘Richland County as ‘God’s Land.’ These are just several public statements reiterating this theme.
Pastor Ricky Branham is a former Executive Director of the Willard Chamber of Commerce and City Councilman.
Faith leaders helping victims of substance abuse announce their opposition to marijuana legalization. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Mansfield Pastor Chad Hayes speaks at press conference representing 110 congregations. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Pastor Chad Hayes speaks at clergy press conference reading letter to area mayors and chambers of commerce. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) Pastor Chad Hayes speaks at clergy press conference reading letter to area mayors and chambers of commerce. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Pastor Chad Hayes speaks at press conference representing 110 congregations. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Mansfield Pastor Bobby Edwards speaks at press conference representing 110 congregations. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Pastor Bobby Edwards speaks at clergy press conference reading letter to area mayors and chambers of commerce. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Pastor Bobby Edwards speaks at clergy press conference reading letter to area mayors and chambers of commerce. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) Mansfield Pastor Joe Nichols speaks at press conference representing 110 congregations. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Pastor Joe Nichols speaks at clergy press conference reading letter to area mayors and chambers of commerce. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Pastor Joe Nichols speaks at clergy press conference reading letter to area mayors and chambers of commerce. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Faith leaders helping victims of substance abuse announce their opposition to marijuana legalization. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Willard Pastor Ricky Branham speaks at press conference representing 110 congregations. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Pastor Ricky Branham speaks at clergy press conference reading letter to area mayors and chambers of commerce. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Pastor Ricky Branham speaks at clergy press conference reading letter to area mayors and chambers of commerce. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Pastor Ricky Branham speaks at clergy press conference reading letter to area mayors and chambers of commerce. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Pastor Branham added, “just as the “Buy Local” campaign has been ongoing to promote local businesses, local houses of worship are encouraging our economic and civic leaders to “Believe Local” to preserve a vibrant future for our region by adhering to our local community standards. This can be done by safeguarding our communities from the harmful effects of marijuana and the softening of drug enforcement laws like syringe exchange programs and DORA zones. In the words of our state motto, “With GOD all things are possible.”
The listed clergymen endorsees are from congregations located in 9 counties throughout the state. Counties represented in the letter include: Richland (74), Crawford (11), Ashland (7), Wayne (5), Knox (4), Morrow (4), Huron (3), Coshocton (1), and Stark (1).
View the 17 minute clergy press conference below.
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The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
