© 2024 West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Telling West Virginia's Story
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

W.Va. Council of Churches Condemns Hate Speech, Shootings in El Paso, Dayton

Adobe Stock

A religious organization in West Virginia has issued a statement, condemning recent shootings in El Paso and Dayton, and other hate speech invoking violence against immigrants. 

The West Virginia Council of Churches released a press release Friday, calling on lawmakers to fund efforts to understand the root causes of gun violence, white supremacy, and hate crimes against immigrants. The Council also urged foundations to assist in these efforts to curb the tide against hate and violence, and asks people in power to refrain from hateful remarks against those of other faiths.

The shooter who killed 22 people in El Paso earlier this month admitted to targeting Mexicans. Some politicians have blamed President Donald Trump’s rhetoric for spurring the violence.

Trump has called the shooting an act of "cowardice."

The West Virginia Council of Churches does not name Trump or any other political leaders by name in its press release. The group said it plans to establish a commission to address, combat and educate community members about white supremacy in West Virginia.

Former Reporter/Producer for Inside Appalachia, @RoxyMTodd

WVPB is local news, education, music, and entertainment for West Virginia.
Your donation today will help keep us strong and vital.