Faithful for Fairness
As faith leaders across West Virginia, we believe our democracy is at its strongest when all people can speak and be heard. The For the People Act must be passed to protect the right to vote and empower every West Virginian.
The for the People Act
The For The People Act (H.R.1/S.1), a comprehensive anti-corruption and pro-democracy bill, supported by West Virginians across all political parties, demographics, and faiths.
What we believe
- Voting should be accessible and secure for all Americans
- Politicians should be accountable to the communities they serve, not wealthy funders
- Elected officials should lead ethically, responsibly, and transparently
- American voters should choose their leaders – not the other way around
- The strength of a political system depends upon the full and willing participation of its citizens. Citizens of faith should continually exert a strong ethical influence, supporting policies and programs deemed to be just and opposing policies and programs that are not.
Faith Leaders for Democracy
Rev. Matthew Watts
Grace Baptist Church, Charleston
Rev. Matthew Watts has been the Senior Pastor of Grace Bible Church in Charleston, West Virginia, for over 17 years. Prior to that, he worked as an engineer, small business consultant and CEO of a broadcasting corporation. In 1997, he established the HOPE Community Development Corporation, a non profit organization with the mission of empowering the inner city through spiritual renewal, education, employment and training and economic development. Rev. Watts is recognized as a community leader who understands the importance of economic development to the empowerment of the African American Community.
Rev. Alicia Rapking
First United Methodist, Parkersburg
She has been the pastor for First United Methodist Church in Parkersburg since 2019. Prior to that, she served as the director of the Upshur Parish House and Crosslines, Inc. for nine years.
Rev. Roy Knight
Romney
Retired from the First United Methodist Church in Romney.
Chaplain Caitlin Ware
WV Wesleyan, Buckhannon
Caitlin Ware serves as West Virginia Wesleyan College’s United Methodist Church Liaison and Spiritual Life Coordinator. She is from Flemington, WV and graduated from Grafton High School. Caitlin previously worked with the West Virginia Wesleyan Chapel & Religious Life Archives.
Father Steve Peck
Catholic Universalist Church, Parkersburg
Steven Peck is a priest with the independent Catholic Universalist church located in Parkersburg, WV.
“In good times and bad, our faith communities draw people together.
We aim in everything we do to support and represent the people who make us whole, but too often our elected leaders are failing to do the same. It is time to create a stronger democracy, one where everyday people in West Virginia and across the country can participate without being drowned out by wealthy interest groups. All people deserve the dignity provided to them by their creator, and to have a voice before their government – which should be responsible to the people it represents.”
