Some Clergy Support Paul Vallas, but Not All
This is not an endorsement for Mayoral Candidate Brandon Johnson. However, it is essential to note that clergy are not a monolith – Black and Brown clergy are not monolithic either. In fact, many are still weighing the moment and the issues critical to the mayoral runoff. Therefore, images of a group loosely generalized as “clergy endorse Vallas” are irresponsible and misleading – especially when there is failure to identify what faith community those leaders represent.
There are faith communities committed to agendas ranging from progressive to moderate to conservative. While some may align with Johnson's policies, others identify with Vallas, thus displaying a fair and balanced representation of diverse religious groups. This reflects the true diversity of Chicago in a mayoral runoff that may be closely decided. All clergy do not support Vallas, and we must affirm those faith communities too.
In its work alongside congregations, CRS addresses issues that resonate in their communities, ranging from equitable and quality education for children to achieving measurable gains in public safety that do not rely solely on increased policing. Our congregational members seek an increase in police accountability and equitable investments in underserved parts of our city. These are matters of racial justice and socioeconomic equity that should be assessed side-by-side for both candidates. The issues, values and needs of all of Chicago matters. Therefore, as clergy, we have a moral duty to ensure our community members are well informed with facts presented fairly and truthfully.
As we move into early voting and the last days before voting ends on April 4th, we have a sacred democratic responsibility to weigh the issues carefully. In weighing these issues, here are some questions to consider:
Beyond campaign promises, which candidate has a record and history of showing up and delivering for our communities?
What are the ties of the candidates to our communities and will we have access and a seat at the table once the election is over?
What is the plan for public safety and do those plans align with our values?
Which candidate do we believe will take the ongoing racial issues seriously and lay out good and meaningful ways forward?
Considering your work for racial justice and socio-economic equity, is there a candidate committed to sustaining your congregation's work versus dismantling it?
Faith leaders are valued voices in our communities with diverse missions and commitments to achieving Beloved Community. One candidate may not necessarily capture those distinct values alone. With so much at stake, including our very lives, a blanket “endorsement” and photo-op with one candidate in the name of “Chicago clergy” is a breach of trust and a dangerous misrepresentation of who we are.
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