A local coalition of mainstream Christian denominations has joined Arizona Jews in expressing dismay over Gov. Evan Mecham’s remarks to a Jewish audience here Dec. 13 that “Jesus Christ is the God of the Land.”
A public protest is planned by the Bishops’ Executive Round Table, the Greater Phoenix Jewish News reported. The Round Table includes American Baptists, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, Society of Friends, Unitarians, United Church of Christ members and Universalists.
Mecham, who is facing a vigorous recall campaign, is a Mormon. He astonished and offended Jews two Sundays ago when he spoke at the monthly men’s club breakfast at Ahavat Torah Congregation.
According to Jewish News editor Leni Reiss, Mecham’s strongly implied rejection of religious pluralism in the United States came when he was asked by a congregant to explain a story in the Arizona Daily Star about his recent speech at the National Center for Constitutional Studies banquet in Salt Lake City.
“I want you to recognize tonight — on this 200th anniversary (of the U.S. Constitution) that this is a great Christian nation that recognizes Jesus Christ as the God of the land,” he was quoted as saying.
Asked if he indeed said that, Mecham replied, “From my standpoint, Jesus Christ is the God of the land. I said it — and I probably will say it again. If that is a problem for anyone, then it is their problem.”
Bruce Jones, regional minister of Christian Churches’ Disciples, told the Jewish News that the Round Table plans to write a letter protesting Mecham’s remarks, circulate it and send it with as many signatures as possible to The Arizona Republic as a letter to the editor.
The Rev. Gary Skinner of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. will draft the letter. “Our concern is to express solidarity with the Jewish community as well as our conviction that the United States is a pluralistic country,” Skinner told the Jewish News.
Sen. John McCain of Arizona said of his fellow Republican Mecham, “I think the governor’s remarks were at best unfortunate, at worst offensive, to most Americans, not just those who happen to be of the Jewish faith.”
Joel Breshin, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith, maintained that the governor is not anti-Semitic, “just insensitive.”
Mecham responded that he is “not at all insensitive,” has “many good Jewish friends” and is represented by a Jewish lawyer in his fight against recall.
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