The head of the Episcopal Church in Rhode Island is part of a group of Episcopal bishops raising concerns about divisive rhetoric in the presidential election. The bishops have issued a rare, unanimous statement condemning “violent forces” that are turning Americans “against their neighbors.”
Bishop Nicholas Knisely of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island gives the example of crowds threatening to riot if their candidate is not elected, or politicians who blame a small group for the problems of the larger society.
“I think on the part of religious leaders there’s a concern that this kind of language will unleash things that we cannot put back in a bottle,” Knisely said.
He added that the statement is not directed at any one party or candidate but reflects overall concerns about the tone of the presidential primaries.
The bishops’ statement was intended to echo a similar statement made by religious leaders in Germany prior to World War II.
