MANSFIELD — As social justice efforts across the nation defund local police departments, the jury is still out on whether Congress will vote to remove qualified immunity for hometown peace officers. Led by clergy, one community is trying to do everything it can by the book to make sure its local police forces know they are needed.
Yesterday, clergy representing eighty-nine local congregations held a press conference at City Hall reading from a joint prayer proclamation and calling for a day of prayer and appreciation for its police. Due to the negativity towards local police departments, the clergy report their local police are seeing a decline in staffing due to retirements and resignations.
(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
“We are seeing law enforcement around the nation bleeding officers thru resignations and retirements,” says Pastor Matt Merendino. “In addition, our local police departments are also seeing dropping numbers of applicants for job openings, and the local police academy is graduating less students majoring in Criminal Justice. We want to champion the cause for our local police. As efforts to divide our nation continue, we stand united in support of our local police and our resolve is only getting stronger.”
According to Reverend El Akuchie, America was founded on Judeo-Christian values. “The Founding Fathers confirmed the Bible is the leading source of morality in Western Civilization by promoting law and order and forbidding murder, adultery, the stealing and coveting of personal property. Our community is no different; we have a history of corporately praying for Almighty GOD in times of adversity. ”
In 2009, eighty-three clergymen called for a day of prayer and fasting when the area’s largest employer announced closure of its facilities, Recently in 2020, one hundred twenty clergymen called for a day of prayer and fasting at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yesterday clergy continued their tradition.
“As leading clergymen from (89) eighty-nine congregations across Richland County, Ohio, we regret the negativity and malice toward those police officers who bravely serve and protect our families. We formally call citizens, especially Christians, to join millions across the nation to recognize the “Day of Prayer and Appreciation for Local Law Enforcement” on Sunday, June 13th, 2021 by standing in solidarity through prayer, doing acts of charity toward those wearing the badge, publicly advocating on behalf of our local law enforcement, and promoting a career in this noble profession.”
Richland County clergy joint proclamation
During the press conference, Pastor spokesman Hank Webb declared, “As leading clergymen from (89) eighty-nine congregations across Richland County, Ohio, we regret the negativity and malice toward those police officers who bravely serve and protect our families. We formally call citizens, especially Christians, to join millions across the nation to recognize the “Day of Prayer and Appreciation for Local Law Enforcement” on Sunday, June 13th, 2021 by standing in solidarity through prayer, doing acts of charity toward those wearing the badge, publicly advocating on behalf of our local law enforcement, and promoting a career in this noble profession.”
In addition to the day of prayer, fourteen of the congregations raised $5,000 in funds to support the County Sheriff’s Department and police departments in Mansfield, Ontario, Lexington, Bellville and Butler.
“We are donating these funds for our officers and their equipment needs. It is the least we can do. Our hope is that this small gesture can help improve staff morale and provoke other stakeholders to do the same,” says Webb.
Sheriff Steve Sheldon commented, “We are thankful for what the clergy do. Both Mansfield City and Richland County have “In GOD we trust” emblems on their police cruisers. While we have problems in our community, we know that GOD is still bigger than any problem we have.”
Mansfield City Councilman Jason Lawrence added, “If you are in law enforcement and you want to serve in a community that supports law and order, move to Richland County, Ohio and bring your family with you. We believe this community can be a great place for both the young and the old to live in.”
For interested parties that would like to donate funds to area police departments, email inquiries to [email protected].
View slideshow from the clergy press conference below.
Richland County clergy press conference. (Photo courtesy Frontlines Ohio) 
Mansfield Police Compound (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Reverend El speaking (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) Mansfield Police Dept, Richland County Sheriff Dept, Lexington Police Dept. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Pastor Matt Merendino speaking(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Richland County clergy press conference (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Pastor Hank Webb speaking with clergy check donation (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Local church has yard sign campaign supporting police (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Mansfield Police Chief Keith Porch w/ Richland County Sheriff Steve Sheldon (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Pastor Matt Merendino speaking (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Pastor Hank Webb speaking (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Richland County Sheriff’s deputies with Chaplain Reverend Robert Kurtz (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Richland County clergy with Shelby Mayor Reverend Steve Schag (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
RIchland County clergy spokesmen (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Reverend El Akuchie speaking (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Richland County, Ohio clergy press conference (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) Reverend El Akuchie praying for local police (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
View video of clergy press conference in its entirety (16 min.)
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The Bottom Line:
Ephesians 6 says, “Finally brethren, be strong in the LORD and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of GOD, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
