The WCC Joins Press Conference After the Arrest of Judge Dugan in Milwaukee

May 2

My name is Rev. Dr. Kerri Parker. I am the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, which connects twenty three Christian traditions here in Wisconsin.

I am here with my colleagues to speak on behalf of Justice, righteousness, and the responsibilities of true leaders in caring for those among us who are in need.

Last week, the arrest of Judge Dugan was witnessed with horror nationwide. This is NOT how moral leaders settle disputes over facts or priorities. It is not how we care for the vulnerable among us.

What we have seen in recent weeks is an escalation of state-sanctioned violence, shortcuts to predetermined ends, and gratuitous bullying we would never tolerate by or around our children. Why, then, do we tolerate it from our elected officials and those they appoint to represent them?

We cannot care for vulnerable people if places of law are made lawless. If places for seeking justice are made disorderly and unpredictable. We CAN have compassion, and charity, AND respect for the law. Judge Hannah Dugan, once served at Catholic Charities. She understands this balance.

The faith tradition I follow - and many of these officials purport to follow - has many teachings about the rights of the accused. Stories about the importance of facing one’s accusers - even an extravagant number of opportunities to plead one’s case.

A moral community knows brokenness when it sees it. It questions propaganda. It demands a fair hearing. It expects the truth.

So we call out these threats for what they are. They are the work of bullies, and they endanger lives. They endanger the rule of law. They are abhorrent. Foolish. Unworthy of leaders.

Verbal, physical, and spiritual violence are being perpetrated daily upon our neighbors by representatives of our own government while faithful public servants close to home seek to uphold the rule of law.

Violence and distortions by this regime are a burden upon our common life. They go beyond all reason. Leaders, we call you to your highest self and demand accountability for these disproportionate actions.