A group of Pennsylvania religious leaders will announce their support for medical marijuana legislation Wednesday at a news conference at 11 a.m. ET on the Lt. Governor’s Balcony in the Pennsylvania State Capitol. They will then visit with lawmakers to convey their support in person.
A diverse group of more than 50 clergy members in Pennsylvania have signed a statement urging state lawmakers to adopt a comprehensive medical marijuana law this year. A list of signers will be posted Wednesday at https://www.ClergyForCompassion.com.
“We cannot remain silent while people in pain and anguish are deprived of a viable, safe, and responsible remedy,” the statement reads. “While we may practice different faiths and come from different communities, we share the same commitment to improving the broader community through the practice of humanity, healing, mercy, and compassion. That is why, as leaders within our respective communities of faith, we are joining together to encourage the Pennsylvania General Assembly to adopt sensible, comprehensive medical cannabis legislation.”
Speakers at the news conference will include Pastor Shawn Berkebile of Abbotstown, Rev. Theodore Cockley of Williamsport, Rabbi George Stern of Philadelphia, and Pastor Bonnie Whittier of Codorus. They will be joined by Rev. Alexander Sharp of Clergy for a New Drug Policy, which is rallying clergy nationwide in support of sensible medical marijuana legislation.
WHAT: News conference at which Pennsylvania faith leaders will urge state lawmakers to adopt a comprehensive medical marijuana law
WHEN: Wednesday, October 21, 11 a.m. ET
WHERE: Lt. Governor’s Balcony, Pennsylvania State Capitol, Harrisburg
WHO: Pastor Shawn Berkebile, Abbotstown
Rev. Theodore Cockley, Williamsport
Rabbi George Stern, Philadelphia
Pastor Bonnie Whittier, Codorus
Other Pennsylvania clergy members
Rev. Alexander Sharp, Clergy for a New Drug Policy
