On Sunday, Ira Acree, senior pastor of Greater St. John Bible Church and the founder of the Leaders Network Chicago, spoke to his congregation, calling for them to contact the White House and demand that President Donald Trump not send the National Guard to Chicago.
“We will not stand by while you turn our streets into a battlefield. Withdraw your forces and respect the will of the people,” Acree said of Trump from the church sanctuary on Sunday. “I can’t keep quiet while democracy is being dismantled, while truth is under attack, and while justice is being trampled in the streets. It’s time we open our mouths and speak. It’s time to speak up about fascism.”
Since its inception 20 years ago, the Leaders Network Chicago has advocated for justice and community empowerment. Exemplified by Acree’s statements Sunday, the Leaders Network remains committed to democracy, peace and resisting oppression in all its forms.