Letter to Pastor Jeffery Johnson

Dear Pastor Jeffrey Johnson,



I hope this letter finds you well. As a member of Eastern Star Church, I am writing to bring to your attention a pressing concern that affects our community and the nation at large. I beseech you to address this critical issue.



The issue is the potential implementation of nationwide censorship, as seen in Indiana's State Bill 17. SB 17, which requires ID verification for websites hosting "adult-oriented" content, sets a dangerous precedent for censorship and restriction of online access (The Campus Citizen, 2024). Furthermore, if State Bill 17 is implemented, it could lead to a slippery slope where censorship spreads beyond 'adult-oriented' content, threatening our fundamental right to free speech and expression.



Imagine a future where the spread of censorship, similar to Indiana's State Bill 17, has reached all 50 states. The once vibrant landscape of free speech and expression has faded into a dull grey as if a curtain of silence has descended upon the nation. Libraries and bookstores are stripped of controversial titles, their shelves bare and hollow. Artists and musicians struggle to create, fearing their work will be deemed "offensive" or "inappropriate." Journalists and whistleblowers are silenced, their voices muffled by the weight of censorship. Public discourse is stifled, as people hesitate to share their thoughts and opinions, fearing retribution or judgment. The once lively streets of America are now filled with the eerie quiet of self-censorship, as the nation's creativity, diversity, and progress are slowly suffocated.



This is the potential outcome if censorship is allowed to spread unchecked, a chilling reminder of the importance of protecting our fundamental right to free speech and expression. As you know, the First Amendment is the cornerstone of our democracy, and censorship undermines the very fabric of our society. By protecting free speech and expression, we ensure that diverse perspectives are celebrated and the exchange of ideas is cherished.



For instance:



- If a prominent pastor like yourself were to speak out against a particular political issue, you could be silenced or censored under the guise of 'hate speech.'

- If a religious organization wanted to distribute materials on a controversial topic, they could be barred from doing so under the pretext of 'offensive content.'



While age verification and content restrictions may be necessary to protect children and vulnerable adults, we must be cautious not to overreach and stifle free speech in the process. A balanced approach is necessary to ensure that we protect our citizens without sacrificing our fundamental rights.



I have been actively working to spread awareness about this issue, delivering notification papers to all 33 partnerships at Madame Walker Theatre Block Party this past weekend, contacting the Attorney general's office, radio stations, and television news, and I will be reaching out to Blue Wing Groups. I believe that your voice, as a respected community leader, would carry significant weight in this matter. I urge you to consider speak with other pastors in the Indiana area, possibly address all three congregations, or sending an email to them after contacting the Attorney General's office, expressing your concerns about State Bill 17 and the potential dangers of censorship.



Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our nation remains a beacon of democracy.



This bill could have far-reaching consequences, including:



- Nationwide censorship: Broad restrictions on online content, limiting access to information and ideas.

- Total surveillance: Mandatory age verification could lead to mass data collection, compromising privacy, and potentially chilling free speech.

- Criminalization of speech: Strict regulations could lead to criminal charges for individuals who violate the decree, even unintentionally.

- The stifling of dissent: Fear of repercussions could silence marginalized voices, limiting public debate and progress.

- Unconstitutional precedent: Such laws could set a dangerous precedent, eroding First Amendment protections and paving the way for further government overreach.

- The chilling effect on innovation: Overly broad regulations could stifle innovation and progress in the tech industry.

- Potential for abuse: Government agencies or special interest groups could exploit these laws to silence opponents or maintain power.

- Loss of global influence: The United State's reputation as a beacon of free speech and democracy could suffer, impacting global relations and diplomacy.



We must continue advocating for our rights and promoting awareness to prevent such a scenario from unfolding. National censorship in the United States could potentially impact churches and religious organizations in several ways, depending on the specific regulations and enforcement:



- Sermon content restrictions: Governments might limit what pastors and religious leaders can say in their sermons, potentially censoring speech on certain topics or viewpoints.

- Free speech limitations: Churches might face restrictions on expressing their beliefs or opinions on social and political issues, potentially impacting their ability to speak out on moral or ethical concerns.

- Censorship of religious materials: The government could restrict the distribution or publication of religious texts, literature, or online resources deemed controversial or offensive.

- Surveillance and monitoring: Churches might face increased surveillance or monitoring, potentially infringing on their right to privacy and religious freedom.

- Compliance with anti-discrimination laws: Churches could be forced to comply with anti-discrimination laws that contradict their religious beliefs, potentially ...potentially leading to conflicts over issues like LGBTQ+ rights or abortion.



Limitations on religious education: Censorship could extend to religious education, restricting what can be taught in Sunday schools, Christian schools, or other religious institutions.



Impact on religious freedom: National censorship could erode the Separation of church and state, potentially threatening the voice guaranteed by the First Amendment.



Here are some prominent leaders from the Civil Rights Era who were associated with religious institutions:



- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - Ebenezer Baptist Church (Atlanta, GA) - Baptist

- Ralph Abernathy - First African Baptist Church (Montgomery, AL) - Baptist

- Rosa Parks - Dexter Avenue Baptist Church (Montgomery, AL) - Baptist

- Fred Shuttlesworth - Bethel Baptist Church (Birmingham, AL) - Baptist

- John Lewis - Troy University's Wesley Foundation (Troy, AL) - Methodist

- James Lawson - Centenary Methodist Church (Nashville, TN) - Methodist

- Andrew Young - Central United Methodist Church (Atlanta, GA) - Methodist

- Jesse Jackson - Operation PUSH headquarters (Chicago, IL) - Interdenominational

- Al Sharpton - Bethany Baptist Church (Brooklyn, NY) - Baptist

- Malcolm X - Nation of Islam mosques (various locations) - Islamic

- Adam Clayton Powell Jr. - Abyssinian Baptist Church (New York, NY) - Baptist



Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and some of these leaders may have changed affiliations or attended multiple churches throughout their lives. Additionally, while religion played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, it's important to recognize that individuals from various faith backgrounds and belief systems contributed to the struggle for equality and justice.



In conclusion, I would be honored if you join me in speaking out against State Bill 17 and the potential dangers of nationwide censorship. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our nation remains a beacon of democracy, where free speech and expression are cherished and protected.



Thank you for your time and consideration.



Sincerely,

Denelsia Walker



Please feel free to contact me at ( smiles) if you have any questions or concerns.