PLAINFIELD – Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA) issued a statement on Friday expressing their concerns about the recent presidential executive order, “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets.”
The statement reads: “Vermont Interfaith Action, a grassroots coalition of faith communities and spiritual practitioners who share common beliefs and values about the dignity and worth of all members of our communities, rises to express our concern about President Trump’s recent Executive Order titled ‘Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets.
“While this order asserts that it is a response to crime and disorder, we believe this is actually about criminalizing homelessness and reintroducing the forced institutionalization of those who are experiencing mental illness. The order draws on community fears around homelessness. It uses uncited and inaccurate “statistics” to justify inhumane changes in how we best address the needs of those who are unsheltered and in need of assistance. This order is broadly written and will be used to harass and harm people on the basis that they are unhoused, regardless of their health or disability status.
“As people from different faith traditions, we are committed to the dignity and respect of all, including those dealing with mental health challenges, addiction, and the lack of affordable housing, which is the ultimate driver of the homelessness epidemic in our country. This order offers no real solution for addressing those problems but instead puts procedures in place to “disappear” those persons from public view. This order is morally unacceptable, likely illegal, and tragically inhumane.
“We align with the statements publicized by the ACLU and the Vermont Center for Independent Living in opposition to this Executive Order, and we call on Governor Scott and all leaders throughout our state to stand up and ensure that the rights of all Vermonters are protected, especially the most vulnerable among us. We call all those who call this place home to stand up and demand that the rights of all persons are protected, regardless of their disabilities, conditions, or economic status.”
Vermont Interfaith Action will be coordinating with service providers and organizations focused on homelessness and mental health to determine further responses to this recent order.
The Rev. Jay Voorhees is coordinating pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, Plainfield.
