Police Affirmed

 89 Ohio Clergy Affirm Role of Police Calling for a Day of Prayer & Appreciation

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.

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." (Breaking Christian News)