Religion remains pivotal in the lives of individuals in Puerto Rico and across much of the United States, so it is not unexpected that faith-based groups have expressed their views regarding Puerto Rico’s political status. Below, we present several declarations from prominent religious organizations.
The Central Conference of American Rabbis
The Central Conference of American Rabbis issued a resolution concerning Puerto Rico Statehood, stating, “As Reform Jews, we believe that democracy thrives when all citizens engage, and it falters when individuals are excluded from the democratic process. Our nation was established on the principle, albeit not always fulfilled, that each citizen should have a voice in governance through their elected representatives.”
Citing sacred texts and rabbinic traditions, the statement continues, “We aim for the well-being of our nation and its inhabitants, including the 3.1 million citizens residing in Puerto Rico, about 2,000 of whom are Jewish, advocating for their right to equitable representation in both chambers of the U.S. Congress and full participation in our democracy as a State.”
The resolution further acknowledges that the 2020 plebiscite gave a definitive indication in favor of statehood as the democratically chosen status option by the voters of Puerto Rico.
“Now, therefore, be it Resolved,” the statement concludes, “that the Central Conference of American Rabbis:
- Compliments the people of Puerto Rico for their November 3, 2020 plebiscite supporting statehood.
- Calls on Congress and the President to promptly grant statehood to Puerto Rico.
- Reiterates its 1993 resolution advocating for statehood for the District of Columbia.”
The Catholic Puerto Rican Bishops’ Conference
The Catholic Puerto Rican Bishops’ Conference crafted a pastoral message in anticipation of the November 5th vote. In this communication, the bishops urge Puerto Rican voters to “Discern to Decide,” emphasizing that “The discussion should center on ideas arising from reality and not on preferences for specific individuals.” Voters are encouraged to focus on a list of issues, including a “definitive resolution of Puerto Rico’s political status.”
The message also conveys that “the Church does not favor one political party over another.” Given that major political parties in Puerto Rico align with different status alternatives, no guidance is provided on which status supporters should endorse. However, maintaining territorial status cannot be seen as “a definitive solution,” as it would perpetually leave the possibility of becoming a state or an independent nation open.
The ballot for the 2024 status referendum encompasses statehood, independence, and independence with free association. Both statehood and independence would resolve the current colonial condition.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The ELCA has included Puerto Rico in its set of resolutions alongside other regions without voting rights. “WHEREAS, this church recognizes a regrettable history in which numerous groups, such as African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinx Peoples, Native Peoples, and women, have been denied the right to vote, and were thus governed without consent,” the document asserts. “Even now, many individuals are unable to vote on issues that directly impact them. Each instance is unique and multifaceted, but examples encompass Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.”
The ECLA specifically advocated for statehood for the District of Columbia, and underscored the importance of self-determination and full voting rights for Puerto Rico:
“To instruct the ELCA Witness in Society team in the Service and Justice sector to foster opportunities for education and advocacy regarding statehood for Washington, D.C.;
To guide the ELCA Witness in Society team to listen to and uphold calls for self-determination for American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Nations, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other U.S. territories, and to respond to requests relating to these issues from the Caribbean Synod and the ELCA director for Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations; and
To encourage all ELCA synods, congregations, and members to learn about and educate themselves on ELCA social teaching and advocacy in society regarding voting access and voting rights.”
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