“Jesus said that He is the way, the truth and the life. Jesus is with us in truth. And the truth is that Haitians are not eating pets in Springfield,” said the Rev. Carl Ruby, gripping the pulpit of Central Christian Church in Springfield, Ohio.
Moments later, the 60-person congregation rose to its feet, applauding the five Haitian community leaders visiting Sunday morning.
“We love you,” Ruby said to them. “We are glad you’re here.”
Earlier in the week, the small nondenominational church hadn’t been certain they would be worshipping on Sunday. Bomb threats and the presence of hate groups had the city on edge, but the board voted to meet — and Ruby took the opportunity to appeal to both President Biden and former President Trump.
“I call on our former president, President Trump, out of the goodness of his heart, out of the divine spark of God’s image that lives in every human being, to let people know that he was misinformed about what’s happening in our community, and to ask hate groups who are here to leave,” said Ruby. He also called on President Biden to provide additional resources to support the expanding city, which has seen an influx of as many as 20,000 Haitian migrants in the past decade.
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The appeal came after the midwestern city was thrust into the national spotlight during last week’s presidential debate, when former President Trump claimed Haitian migrants are “eating the pets of the people that live there.”
Since then, the debunked pet-eating line has become a “memeified” punchline. But for community members, effects of the remark have been no joke.
On Thursday (Sept. 12), two schools, Springfield City Hall and Clark County offices, closed in the wake of bomb threats. On Saturday, two Springfield hospitals closed due to bomb threats, and flyers claiming to be from the Trinity White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan — a Kentucky offshoot of the white supremacist group — were reportedly distributed in Springfield.
“Foreigners & Haitians Out,” the flyers read, according to a photo obtained by media. “Join us and stand against forced immigration.”
Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio, which provides legal, interpretation and case management services in Springfield but does not resettle migrants there, has faced verbal and written attacks, chief executive Tony Stieritz told America Magazine.
“My daughter asked me, what’s going on dad?” said Harold Herard, an engineer and member of the Haitian Community Help & Support Center who visited Ruby’s church on Sunday. “I tried to explain to her the situation, but I don’t want to put her in a situation of feeling fear about school.”
On Sunday, patrons and cashiers at a Dunkin’ Donuts in the south end of the city traded rumors about Haitians being arrested and consuming pets. But later that afternoon, a different narrative unfolded just around the corner, where about 60 Haitians met at First Evangelical Haitian Church of Springfield for a weekly English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course. Normally, the classes are stretched to find English-speaking conversation partners. But this week, about 30 volunteers — many of them from local churches — participated.
“I am with you in the difficulties,” the Haitian students practiced speaking in English. “Mwen avèk ou nan difikilte yo,” the English-speakers learned to respond in Haitian Creole.
At the end of the event, the English speakers distributed flowers and baked goods, while Haitian leaders thanked them for their solidarity.
“We are in amazement at how so much good is coming out of such difficulty,” said Heidi Earlywine, an English teacher and advocate who co-coordinates the ESOL classes.
Despite the welcoming atmosphere, some Haitian ESOL students voiced concerns about the level of scrutiny they’ve faced in Springfield this week, saying the toxic atmosphere had pushed them to consider relocating out of state. Viles Dorsainvil, president of Springfield’s Haitian Community Help and Support Center and a former Moravian pastor, said he’s also heard Haitians debating whether to leave Springfield. But he hopes people stay a few more weeks before deciding.
“We have so many good leaders working with us,” said Dorsainvil. “And we do our best in our nonprofit to work through this situation with the community. I think that if we just take our time, we will navigate this together. But the tension is here. The fear is here.”
Once a bustling manufacturing town that produced farm equipment and other machinery, Springfield faced race riots in the early 20th century, and struggled with closing factories and a declining population at the tail end of the century. Then, about a decade ago, the city launched a successful effort to bring in several businesses and companies that created thousands of new jobs. Haitian migrants facing political turmoil and gang violence in their home country began to arrive, filling job shortages and opening churches, shops and cafes.
“First Baptist Church is one part of a larger faith community and group of public service agencies that believe in the tremendous gifts that come along with the increase in population,” said the Rev. Adam Banks, a Springfield pastor who pointed out the benefit of welcoming skilled Haitian professionals, including educators and health care specialists. “As a city that has seen its population decline for decades, this increase provides a great deal of hope.”
Countering rumors that resettlement organizations have been “bussing in” migrants, Herard said Haitians have arrived organically after hearing about jobs from other Haitians in the area. The vast majority are here legally, many as recipients of Temporary Protected Status due to conditions in Haiti. Springfield’s Haitian population has swelled to between 12,000-20,000 in recent years, city officials estimate.
Some longtime Springfield residents called the “pet-eating” rhetoric a distraction from the very real strains on local health, education and government resources facing the city. The influx of residents has, according to many business owners, landlords and city officials, been a boon for the declining city, but it has also come with costs. Schools and hospitals are struggling to keep up with the growing population and the need for translation services and ESOL classes. Housing costs have risen, and the sudden increase in new drivers has prompted safety concerns.
In August 2023, tensions between Haitians and longtime Springfield residents ruptured when 11-year-old Aiden Clark was killed in an accident caused by a Haitian migrant who crashed into a school bus. (Clark’s parents have since asked that their family’s tragedy not be used to stoke hatred or be exploited for political gain.)
City Council meetings were suddenly flooded with concerned residents, and Haitians became the targets of beatings and robberies. First Evangelical Haitian Church of Springfield was reportedly broken into. But the fractures were subsiding when, this summer, Republican vice presidential nominee and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance cited Springfield as a failure of Biden’s immigration strategy.
“It really kind of quieted down until our local leaders reached out to J.D. Vance for help getting financial assistance,” said Ruby. “And instead of providing financial assistance, he politicized it.”
Herard said Springfield’s Haitian community is most in need of better translation services, as well as mental health support, particularly in the wake of last week’s debate. For now, many of Springfield’s churches are giving support by way of English classes, correcting misinformation, and displaying solidarity. At the end of Central Christian Church’s Sunday service, congregants shuffled to the front of the sanctuary where they took Communion elements and bundles of small fliers intended for distribution.
“Mwen byen kontan ou la. Kris la renmen ou e mwen menm tou,” the fliers said in Haitian Creole. “I’m glad you are here. Christ loves you and so do I.”
To Herard, the service was a welcome respite. “It was a tough week,” he said. “Fear. Confusion. But today, we feel free.”
Kathryn Post is a reporter for Religion News Service based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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128 Responses
JD Vance has acknowledged on news shows that he is aware that he is spreading false rumors, but feels that he’s justified in doing it, because otherwise the news wouldn’t cover it.
yes, JD, the news doesn’t cover things that aren’t actually happening. that’s how this works. He’s just trying to rally anti-migrant sentiment, but it’s fully based on lies. the woman who posted on facebook either originally or very close to first admits it’s unverified, made up, and she regrets posting it- https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/-just-exploded-springfield-woman-says-never-meant-spark-rumors-haitian-rcna171099
Good job, Springfield, for welcoming in the stranger, protecting them, and caring well for them, and not buying into racist slander against legal migrants.
Do better, JD Vance.
Jen, though I appreciate your wanting to do good, you’re obviously missing the forest for the trees.
I would encourage you to familiarize yourself with the perspective of J.J. Carrell, a recently retired border patrol senior agent who started in the 90’s under Bush. He has meticulously arrived at the conclusion there are 50-60 million illegals currently in the US. The amount of child and adult sex trafficking that is part of this immigration is unbelievable. So many politicians and mayors involved, and other countries are investigating.
https://substack.com/@carrell
Peter Santenello two days ago released his interview with an upstate NY sheriff about illegals coming over the Canadian border. 2 million views so far. Very informative how many locals are concerned for their well being. Pay close attention to the sheriff’s last comments about his concern.
https://youtu.be/mXdu8gkNLTk?si=yJEsKosLznwnjR9I
None of this is organic, but is a planned strategy by the ruling class.
The Hatians in Ohio are here legally. They did not cross any border illegally. https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/haitian-immigrants-in-springfield-ohio-why-they-chose-this-city/2YSECZBYS5DYTF35SC5U4QS5SI/
Jen, the administration created a status that does not comply with the US code on this (S 1158). Hence, it is illegal for that reason and just the fact it says “some” have a asylum case pending shows the administration. Although there is some looseness in the law to permit the Secretary of State and homeland security when it comes to asylum, it did not justify creating a status out of thin air that violates the sections about remaining in the neighboring country which does not have the same issues their country had until the vetting is complete. It also creates a situation where false claims abound but you let them in trusting their claim with a promise to verify. Furthermore, the law requires the president put forth a plan with many provisions that has to be approved by congressional representatives. Even if it was presented and approved, the results of straining cities across the country shows it was an irresponsible plan.
Thanks, Joe…I found this middle-of-the-road report on Springfield who interviewed actual resident and video taped them over two full days:
If these Haitians 20K are in this country illegally which they are and bombarding this poor community all at once, they need to be deported immediately and then go through the normal process to become a US citizen. End of discussion Biden and Harris open borders!!
They are all here legally. Haitians living in Springfield have TPS-temporary protected status-while their asylum request is being processed. Haiti’s government has collapsed and they have good reason to flee.
Brian – the Haitians in this community are migrants who are here legally. This has already been verified (along with the origins of this rumor), but it all seems to be gaining zero traction among those stuck on the “Dems want open borders” narrative. This is a COMPLETELY different community that legally came here under completely different circumstances. Let’s not lump ALL who immigrate here under one umbrella with one narrative. We can do better than that.
Brian, do you have any evidence that they’re here illegally? Because reporting in Dayton is that they’re largely here legally. https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/haitian-immigrants-in-springfield-ohio-why-they-chose-this-city/2YSECZBYS5DYTF35SC5U4QS5SI/
Brian,
You’re absolutely right. Why should my tax dollars be supporting this illegal invasion of the third-world?
If the bleeding heart, liberal “churches” want to feed and clothe these illegals, let ’em. As a matter of fact, let those “churches” pay the full tab. No more tax dollars for the illegals — except to round them up and send them back to where they came from.
Thank you, YOU are absolutely 100% correct! Illegal or legal this should never happen. The united states is not a dumping ground! This ALL stems back to Biden and Harris failures.
Brian – so even if they are legal, a church shouldn’t feed or clothe them? Wow. I guess we are to only feed and clothe “our own”?
Lord, come quickly.
So, no immigration happened under trump then?
Build the wall! Nope, he didn’t succeed at that. Turns out it was just a grift. https://www.reuters.com/legal/bannon-associates-be-sentenced-fraud-over-trumps-border-wall-2023-04-26/
Make Mexico pay for it? Nope
@brian stokes:
“Dumping ground”? Seriously?
When did fellow image bearers of God suddenly become refuse? You do realize that part of Jesus’s charges against the religious rules of His day are that they were more interested in themselves rather than the alien, widow, and orphan, right?
Please go re-read your Bible.
Brian,
You know what’s funny? Every time I see pictures of Springfield I never see any cats. I see the new natives carrying around dead — beheaded — geese (roadkill. Ha! 🤣), but not any cats — especially around the new natives’ restaurants. Kinda weird, isn’t it? Maybe I should start watching the MSNBC AI shopped and cropped news more. Get the real truth there.
But what I do see is this: according to the Springfield Police Division, crime is up. Wayyyy up. Motor vehicle thefts. Shoplifting. Public sex acts. Not to mention vehicular accidents. I guess the poor people of Springfield just have to get used to the new normal and their new neighbors. Adjust. That’s what they need to do.
Jim –
What part of “they are – and have been – here legally” isn’t clear? What part of that warrants such a response? Why shouldn’t a church have a “bleeding heart” for people who have been here legally being attacked and maligned? Using your logic, a “conservative” church would have a “hard heart”, and watch from the sidelines….how is that Christlike?
Please make that clear, because I fail to see where Christ is in ANY of your response.
“And the disciples said to Jesus, ‘Lord when did we turn you away? When did we call you an animal and a rapist? When did we label you vermin who came to this country to poison our blood'”
And the Lord said, “When you do it to the least of these, you do it to Me.”
In all the discussion and angst surrounding this topic, it matters not what we think is “illegal invasion”. What matters is how God sees things. Without claiming to know Jesus’ heart on this matter, I’m reminded of Native Americans on reservations. Descendants of those who were involuntarily relocated, sometimes multiple times (skipping the “details”). What would “illegal invasion” look like, from their (and their ancestors’) point of view? Maybe some of us can empathize.
“Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” ~Jesus
When I hear the term “bleeding heart liberals” I think of how Jesus heart literally bled for humanity.
So rather than use the phrase as a pejorative maybe it should be our example?
My Christian brother, re-read the article again. Listen to governor Dewine and the mayor of Springfield. All will tell you that the Haitian immigrants of Springfield OH came LEGALLY. Legal means: aboveboard, regulated, authorized, approved, noncriminal and legitimate. They are not illegal aliens.
To my other Christian brothers and sisters I ask- is our King of Love pleased with the continual lies, accusations and constant name calling which come from the mouth of the candidate we’ve been told champions our cause as Christians? How could he be the champion of any Jesus follower given the torrent of ugly and hateful words daily coming from his own mouth? Don’t take my word for it, or Fox news, or any other media outlet. Read his own words and listen to them for yourself.
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45
Don’t be deceived. God cannot be mocked. What a person sows they will reap.
The Springfield churches mentioned in this article are sowing love, peace, and kindness.
What are the people you plan to vote for sowing into our society?
Can you give a brief summary of the process for becoming a citizen?
This whole thing bugs me because you have two groups that are really talking about two different things. The majority of Americans would probably say we need to welcome immigrants. But the truth is you cannot take in everyone who has a lesser standard or is in a failed state. The question is how many and are they being vetted, what is safe for the country. But the article is about a small group that makes up a significant portion of the population of a small city. One side is saying you should love these people and stop accusing them of being outsiders. The other saying immigration is not being controlled at safe and democratically agreed upon levels. This side is looking for an example to try to get people to wake to the big picture. All I know is when we finally plunge ourselves into economic famine or we are ruled by another country that wants to break our will through famine, I will eat cats and dogs. 2 Kings 6:29
When an old man starts raving about people eating cats and dogs, you get him in to see a doctor. You do not give him access to nuclear launch codes. Just sayin’.
They have proof on video of them killing & eating pets, geese and swans.
And these fake “Christian” pastors are proof that satan infiltrated, uses and controls many of the 501(c)3 churches. God is revealing the truth in these end days and cleaning out the evil doers.
Dee –
The video you are referring to has been researched and proven to be one of a person removing roadkill. The police have said so.
But something tells me that won’t matter; there will still be reason to hate the Haitians anyway.
What proof? You ignore every evidence to the contrary! Post the proof, or admit your sin
Dee, How can you continue to spew these lies? Claiming this truth comes “from God” borders on blasphemy! This is quite revolting to witness.
Dear Dee, what will you do in the next life when you have to sit at table in God’s kingdom with these Haitian Christians and these Christian pastors? What will say to them?
Mr. Zook,
What will you say for making a false allegation against someone quoting scripture?
Dee,
Sounds like you’re a fan of Megan Basham.
Dee, not everything you see on the internet is presented truthfully.
I agree! And same thing for his 40 year old enabler/disciple.
They’re sure eating the geese!
There is no evidence they are eating the geese either.
Imagine leaving a terror-ridden life in Haiti, finally arriving in a free and prosperous country hoping to find safety and a new beginning, only to become the target of a madman’s hatred and cruelty, using your people, community for his political ambition. Now to have a new fear, that their new neighbors will turn against them.
Is it too much to hope that a few churches in Springfield will come to the aid and comfort of these poor people?
Tricia Russell,
Perhaps an analysis of Voodoo practices involving animal sacrifice would help explain why some Haitians think nothing of sacrificing cats, dogs, pigs, chickens…etc. It is part of their culture. This does not mean all Haitians who come into our nation will participate in this, but some most definitely will. Always seek the truth before jumping into the TDS reaction ingrained in your mind.
Cynthia, it could be my background gave me a different perspective and help you to understand how I view people from different cultures. I am very acquainted with voodoo practices.
I grew up among people of a third world who had indigenous ritual practices. They were people who had been historically abused and rejected. They were suspicious and unwelcoming in the beginning of the time my parents worked among them bringing to them the gospel. Today there is a thriving church and many, many joyful Christians. I do not fear anyone coming to my neighborhood, but instead I want to meet their needs in any way I can and offer them the Good news of the gospel of Christ. It matters not to me where they’re from, what their culture and practices are or whether they are here legally. None of those things are mine to change. I only want to offer what Jesus would offer to them.
What is crushing to me is to see that people who will go on mission trips to Haiti and post their “love for the people” on social media now turning their backs on them and participating in the dehumanizing language is crushing to me.
The Springfield Police confirmed the geese the man was carrying were road kill.
Non government operatives via churches receiving government money are giving illegals cover.
Jim, from Canada if they are eating Canadian Geese they have our permission. We have plenty and hunters all over the USA shoot them. I heard they are kind of greasy though?
I’m actually quite fond of goose, though I’ve never killed my own; I get it from a specialty meat shop near where I live. It’s red meat so you don’t want to overcook it. An apple, raisin and apricot stuffing with it is just delicious, though a cornbread stuffing is good too.
Repeating what others have said here; that the Springfield police confirmed that the Goose being carried was indeed roadkill.
Jim,
So one of them poached a goose? That’s the best you got?
How many Ohio rednecks get fined poaching ducks, geese or deer each year?
What’s next? Trumpville gets up in arms because one of them were caught fishing without a license?
Greg Culross:
Are you aware that Voodoo practitioners routinely sacrifice animals?
Thank God for leaders like this! This is really not a political issue but a moral one. These constant lies and hateful comments are the complete opposite of the words in Hebrews 13 about welcoming and watching out for the strangers around us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3U3iwBqopaE
If you don’t trust the link, google “Scripps News Haiti” for the You tube video. Lots of commenters claiming Christians need to speak the truth about illegal immigration. Watch the video and tell me if “mass deportation now” is in any way a Christian response to Haitian immigrants.
Julie, I can’t believe the vile, hateful, racist and bigoted comments you are getting on Twitter on this story.
The state of the American church is very depressing right now.
God bless these churches for reaching out to a marginalized, immigrant community by recognizing the humanity of the stranger within our gates. We should note that all the “pro-life” prophets hugging cardboard cut-outs of Trump in their closets, and blasting those who do not support this man as demonic, are strangely silent on the matter of immigrant life. Where is the loud rebuke from prominent, Trump-supporting, white evangelical ministers? Why haven’t these pro-life people roundly and loudly condemned this vile attack by two of the most powerful men in the planet on some of the most vulnerable people in our midst?
Where are the voices of these people who boast about their missionary efforts to those poor, poor black people in country like Haiti, but remain silent when these people are maligned and abused right here by their pet politicians?
My exact sentiments. I read this Information from the Caribbean where I live . Samaritian’s purse and other agencies say that they are reaching out to the unsaved souls they care about in this part of the world. Their silence tells another story.
All your shoe boxes are simply a way to make you feel good rather than genuine care for needy citizens of this world who are also made in God’s image and likeness just like you.
May God have mercy on you.
It’s important to note that demonizing the food immigrants eat is a way to reinforce white supremacy, and it’s a racist trope that’s been around since “whiteness” has existed.
It’s way to (falsely) demonize legal Haitian immigrants, even though they’re not doing this. We don’t even need the TRUTH of the statement to “other” them, we’re willing to believe it because we already have suspicions that they’re different. This is how white supremacy works. We already believe we’re superior- so when provided with evidence of that we fully believe it whether it’s anecdotal or fully false.
https://www.voanews.com/a/slurs-against-haitian-immigrants-echo-long-history-of-racism-in-us/7786809.html
Jen, what’s your intent here? You seem to take opinions in articles for yourself without any thought there are other reasons that might reasonably explain people’s concerns. You thus indirectly communicate, “don’t listen to these concerns” because you throw out racism as the only explanation for such expression of concern. Sure there are racists who I denounce in this. But I find most folks don’t have problems with differences in other people. However, the delay (TPS) in proper vetting and assimilation, has not given a chance to explain to those claiming asylum if you want to live here there must be a respect for our laws and way of life. I don’t think you would run your household with the administration’s policies.
My intention is in this is to not let the blatant racism behind it slide. There are 560,000 foreign born residents in Ohio- focusing on the (made up) dietary habits of a specific Black population of migrants rather than, say Canadian migrants eating poutine, or Swedish migrants eating lutefisk.
The mayor of Springfield has said that the Haitian migrants have come to work, and are good and productive part of the community.
Racism, or more importantly white supremacy, is inherent in american culture. It comes out every time we insist that people “SPEAK ENGLISH!” or fully assimilate to white culture. It’s why most americans believe that Black people and immigrants are the vast majority of people using medicaid and food stamps, when the highest percentage of utilizers of both programs are white people. https://checkyourfact.com/2018/10/18/fact-check-whites-medicaid-food-stamps/. (now, People of Color do utilize those programs in higher proportion than their represtentation in the population, but that’s a different conversation about systems). In america, we are programed to view white culture as “normal” and other cultures as abberations in comparison to how much they differ from white culture.
The reason I bring up race as a factor for most things is because race IS a factor for most things. Othering people and declaring them dangerous because of the food they eat is racist, because we only do it to races we feel superior to. We might think lutefisk is gross, but that doesn’t make anyone declare that Swedish migrants are dangerous. (this is not implying or accepting as true that any migrant population eats pets)
As an aside, I’m doing everything I possibly can for my household to be able to live under the possibilities of a Harris/Walz administration.
Jen, the fact that people are leaving Haiti and Venezuela in droves (amongst many other countries) shows us what kind of living conditions their cultures produce. The fact that they are choosing the USA over other countries (like Mexico or Canada) shows us what our culture has produced. You’re free to dismiss it as “white supremacy”, but these immigrants think it’s much better than what they had. If you think Americans are uniquely xenophobic, you should visit Japan. Even Biden says so. https://www.dw.com/en/is-japan-xenophobic-like-us-president-biden-claims/a-69007303https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/05/09/japan-sees-an-increase-in-racial-profiling-of-foreigners_6670946_4.html#
I did missions work in Venezuela during college. It’s not their culture that is the cause. They were overtaken by a Russian-allied dictator who drove the country into the grounds via authoritarian rule.
It’s amazing to me how many people are saying they are willing to fight against the USA moving left/Marxist, but then unwilling to welcome those fleeing a failed communist regime.
It’s the US sanctions that have hurt Venezuela the most. Maduro is bad but US gov’t props up many dictators and bad leaders. People coming to the US from Venezuela could be reduced by changes to sanctions but not even Biden/Harris are considering this.
Brian Roden, excellent point. Americans who rail against woke/left ideology should welcome persons escaping nations ruined by communism and Marxism because doing so validates a right-wing perspective. Instead, too many of them denigrate refugees.
But these so-called “conservatives” who denigrate refugees escaping Marxist regimes also suck up to Putin and Orban too. That is because they are not conservative in any sense of the term.
Charles Mallet, you are correct. These so-called conservatives are more accurately described as acolytes of nativist authoritarians.
So by this logic, Mary, Joseph and their young son fleeing as refugees into Egypt was proof of their inferior Jewish culture?
Astounding what political zealotry does to the hearts and minds of God’s people.
It is a real bright spot to see the church coming to the aid of a community harmed by such reckless, unapologetic language and ignorant behavior.
I love seeing so many believers focus on what can be done individually and collectively to impact change and affect lives, all in His name.
Again Trump is encouraging a race war. Of course I didn’t believe any of this was true as far as Haitians. And my soul goes out to the residents of Springfield, Ohio. Their only wrong doing was embracing a group of legal immigrants wanting a safer more hopeful future. Thank you for your courage and loving embrace towards others
Vance spearheading it… a blogger I like quoted this from Jamelle Bouie (NY Times) and I think it nails what’s going on… “In waging rhetorical war on the Haitian immigrants of Springfield, Ohio, Vance has clarified the meaning of his convention speech. It does not matter, to Vance, that these Haitian newcomers came here legally, under the Temporary Protected Status program. It does not matter that they filled a valuable need. It does not matter that they reversed a slow collapse that has already sapped the life from so many former industrial towns. It does not matter that they work hard and seem eager, by all accounts, to establish themselves as productive members of the community.
What matters to Vance is who they are, where they come from and what they look like. They don’t belong to this soil, he might say, and therefore they don’t belong. Right now, the most Vance can do to wage this war is use his words. I shudder to think what might be possible if he had the authority of the state to wield as well.”
I guess that they are here legally, hard workers, trying to succeed on their own, rebuild their lives doesn’t matter to Vance and all the nativist “Christians” on this forum because they are the wrong skin color and come from a ******** country. To all the nativists on this forum, your immigrant ancestors came from Ireland, Italy (or any other Mediterranean country) were not considered “white” and come from a ******* country back then.
But the article below really explains things:
https://thedispatch.com/newsletter/wanderland/exotic-cat-eaters-springfield-ohio/
Here is one portion:
J.D. Vance and Donald Trump practice a form of European-inflected right-wing politics known in academic circles as “welfare chauvinism,” which rejects the traditional Republican emphasis on individual responsibility and free enterprise and instead embraces a combination of welfare statism and Kulturkampf sensibilities: populism and nationalism shading into ethnocentrism and xenophobia. The case against the Haitians isn’t that they are welfare malingers or cat-eaters—or even that they are illegal immigrants who came here thanks to Joe Biden’s lax border enforcement, which most of them aren’t. The real issue is that by working overtime and investing in the community, they have made life more challenging for a reliable Trump-voting constituency: marginally employed white people on the dole.
What an insightful comment! Thanks for sharing!
I’m less inclined to believe what churches and church leaders say with the unnerving number of sexual and financial scandals in the past five years.
I’m fine with pointing out politicians saying false things. However, increasingly, I am noticing this website does not point out false things the other side says.
Again, I’m fine with pointing things out. Yet, do it both ways.
OR… just stay in your lane Julie Roys. I don’t get on this website to read political stuff.
First, I will say that the people perpetrating the bomb and shooting threats need to be prosecuted. It can be true that the Haitians are there under the temporary protected status, which is usually a 1-2 year stay, but can be extended by the federal government. It can also be true that many Haitians are contributing to Springfield, opening businesses, and obeying the laws. However, it’s also true that Governor DeWine has provided $2.5 million in tax dollars to Springfield to address health care needs and state highway patrol troopers have gone to Springfield to help enforce traffic laws.
I encourage people to watch testimony from citizens attending Springfield city commission meetings who have been impacted by the influx of 12,000-20,000 people in their community over a short period of time. Judge for yourself their truthfulness. Even the New York Times wrote an article about the cost increases related to translators for schools, healthcare, and housing as a result of this situation.
Sadly, many people choose to believe their preferred media of choice. It’s well known that the media uses stories like this to divide and conquer people by getting them at each others throats so that they don’t focus on illegal immigration, the amount of people crossing the border illegally, the cartel activity(drug running, sex trafficking, labor trafficking), and the huge cost to our infrastructure. I encourage people to lookup Operation Mockingbird and ask yourselves how much you should trust Fox, CNN, ABC, etc.
I 💯 percent agree! Very insightful!
Parker, although you and I might agree, I think this was a fair article as this was a story about how a local church was reacting to the situation.
This is about a church serving members of the community being wrongfully accused and maligned.
It’s unfortunate that you don’t find that of interest, yet to each his (or her) own.
Watch out, Julie, Parker is warning you to stay in your lane!
To me, it’s obvious that politics has captured the mind of many American evangelicals to the point that they don’t even know how to think Christianly. The importance of the red letters in our bibles should be our primary concern. The fact that Jesus’ words don’t even remotely inform so many of the above comments is frankly disturbing. When mercy and compassion take a back burner to legal status, we’re going to find ourselves on the wrong side of Jesus’ blessings and woes. Lazarus was probably illegally loitering at the rich man’s gate, if you’re familiar with that story. Tell me, what was Jesus’ primary concern there?
Loren, I agree completely with those comments. Back in 2020, a leader from our church called and asked if we could house a family of five who become homeless when the husband’s employment was temporarily suspended due to Covid. So the man, his wife, and three grade school age children moved into our home. Sometimes God just leads your actions. It turned out the couple were undocumented but the children were US citizens (being born here). I’m not trying to be self-righteous but just trying to act in obedience to our Lord. Fortunately his job was restarted and they’re now in their own apartment. We should look at our brothers beyond their “legal” status and recognize them as children of the living God.
Stories like yours are encouraging, Tom. Love your neighbor as yourself, as illustrated by a Samaritan. Oh, how the significance of that unpacks in ways relevant to this issue.
What a great testimony! Maybe this is why the Lord is using the smaller churches to do His work! It’s obvious why the mega churches are going through a major take down. Thanks, Julie for your exposure in these matters.
This is church leaders gathering and speaking out about an issue important to their community. That is my lane, Parker. I report on news happening within the church.
May all the citizens of the Offended States of America take a break from this kind of nonsense. Having been to Haiti twice, I must say there are plenty of Haitian dogs and cats that are safe from being eaten there. For those who are upset about geese, they need to realize the city of Denver has killed and cooked those wild birds more than once to help feed homeless folks there.
See: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48853980.amp
One unintended, but illuminating aspect of this saga, is the sifting nature of it… it’s a test (maybe from God himself?) and many christians are failing it and many are also passing it. It reveals those who want to follow Trump/Vance and self-preservation (we have to get rid of All immigrants, not just legal, because we think it would benefit our nation and us (better people)) – vs those who want to follow Jesus and Christian ethics which would humanely care for the immigrant/alien AND work to solve the adjacent or connected problems… (low wages, wage exploitation, outsourcing, public goods/expenditure, etc etc)
Time for fact-checking the supposed fact-checker. May truth guide Christians and not simply compassion. https://stream.org/i-will-not-eat-grilled-haitian-cat/
It appears neither you nor the author of the Stream article actually read the X post offered as proof that Haitians are eating cats. The post documents in great detail the fact that one immigrant from the Congo grilled a cat or cats. The Congo is in Africa, more than 6,500 miles from Haiti. Also, the actions of one person does not establish a pattern. For all we know, that one man is an extreme outlier. The only reason we’re talking about pets is because politicians recognize that it’s an emotional issue that can fire up the base. That is the definition of propaganda. There are serious concerns around immigration, but the threat to pets does not rank among them.
Julie Roys,
This was an interesting article. It might help if someone did some research about Voodoo and its normalization of animal sacrifice. Indeed, sacrificing animals is part of Voodoo culture in Haiti. Why was this not mentioned?
Of all the issues related to immigration, you think we should be researching Voodoo? How about rather than trying to vilify an entire group of people, we try to solve real problems?
Julie Roys,
You missed the point. I suggested further research because it might shed some light on the current issues being experienced in Springfield, Ohio. It might also help Christians understand the culture surrounding Haitians moving here. Sacrificing animals is done routinely in Haiti, so why not here? We take our culture with us wherever we go.
I think we know where Cynthia is going with this. Sadly she appears to enjoy agitating others on the site. I have even suspected she might be a bot but every time I bring this up my comments are not posted. So much for protecting the truth.
Cynthia wants you to research reasons to justify bias against Haitians who have migrated here legally. Bias that has led to death threats, bomb threats, and breaking into a Haitian CHURCH. But it’s “understandable” based on a practice that is done by a small minority as part of their religion.
It’s telling me she doesn’t know any Haitians without telling me she doesn’t know any Haitians. And yes, I’ve been to Haiti AND have several grad school friends and work colleagues from Haiti who find these “they practice voodoo” stereotypes outdated and offensive. To quote one friend, “It’s like saying Americans practice polygamy, and then pointing to a small group of Mormons in Utah as your proof.” But no one would DARE do that….
If anyone’s practicing voodoo, it’s the gangs that have taken over Haiti that have driven all of these people to flee to the US.
It looks like someone wants to be right. *Satire on* What about the pultry killed because of the bird flu? Was that covert voodoo? *Satire off* Let’s not muddy the waters and rather show love to our neighbors. You are loved by God and so are they. His son even died for them also. Maybe they are even our brothers and sisters in Christ. And it’s usually love that wins people over not hate and conspiracies.
Thomas Thilo:
Always seek the truth. It is not racist, it is not hateful, it is not satire, it is not meant to antagonize anyone.
It is the truth, and, as Jesus said, the truth will set you free.
If you can’t handle factual information, and resort to comments that have absolutely nothing to do with my point, perhaps you are emoting rather than thinking.
Dr N,
The truth that will set you free is not factual information, but the person who said, “I am the Truth.” Sound judgement (aka wisdom) compares whatever facts there are concerning life in Springfield with the facts of why people are fleeing Haiti. If you are willing to fully inform yourself concerning the latter, it becomes pretty self-evident which facts matter most.
You do realize that animal sacrifice in religious ceremonies is protected under the First Amendment do you? But I guess you consider the Freedom of Religion text to only apply to Judaism and Christianity. Second, you should also realize that Santeria (practiced in Cuba and other countries), some sects of Islam, and OT Judaism also practice animal sacrifice. BFD.
Charles Mallet:
None of your comments negate anything I said. What is your point here?
What you just shared is horrific. Think of it this way – would Jesus recite that “poem” ?
Central Christian Church’s theology failure to grasp historical grammatical biblical context says a great deal about the moral value of their political opinions. So, they biblically defend same-sex marriage and offer wedding services at their church but can, at the same time, can quickly designate veracity or the lack thereof when it comes to immigration law and the rule of law in the community. When the “faith-based” ministries echo the absurd, consider the source when they offer criticism. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HabFHycx2bg&t=872s
So it’s not good a church is feeding and clothing a community in need and placed in harm’s way….because of same sex marriage?
This is tiring.
Marin,
It is exhausting. It’s why I’m choosy about who I engage with here. And it’s so so sad how badly we’ve twisted things. The evangelical church will gatekeep anyone who doesn’t hold their pristine doctrinal stances- even if those people are doing the the literal things Christ called us to do, in Christs name to boot! But they’ll overlook and justify every abuse and harm done if a church holds the right doctrines about things that JESUS LITERALLY NEVER TALKED ABOUT. Make it make sense.
They’ll know we’re his followers by our love- for God, for neighbors, for enemies, for strangers.
Even if the folks here are right and we ARE about to be invaded by hoardes of immigrants, who are actively trying to take over our country- our calling as followers of Christ is to LOVE them as we love Christ. Sacrificially. Seeking justice for them. At the very least, not slandering them and spreading propaganda about them on the internet.
Local residents in Springfield are definitely testifying that local geese and cats have been eaten. That is not political propaganda . There are small Haitian tent communes at local neighborhood lakes and they are in fact beheading the geese and ducks.
Perhaps the Christian Haitians are not doing that but the secular Haitians are…we also know that Haitians do animal sacrifices as part of their voodoo practice . Let’s not be ignorant here. To ignore these facts is shocking. I’m really disappointed in the framing of this news article .
Sandra –
What would you prefer the article say? A church is helping a community facing harassment and threats of violence, all rooted in repeatedly proven fake news (debunked with facts, and admissions from Vance and a FB poster), unsubstantiated rumors (“someone said they saw” isn’t proof), and blanket stereotypes based on race/ethnicity.
What’s the problem? The comments here upset over the reporting or that the church stepped in is shocking and disappointing. A Haitian church was broken into!! So much for that “we are all brothers and sisters in Christ” Christianese.
And I won’t go into how our meat is prepared….but I’ll say members of my family went fishing and duck hunting over Labor Day….and I was at a restaurant serving duck just last weekend. But I guess that’s ok, huh?
Marin Heiskell:
Are you suggesting animal sacrifice in order to placate demons is okay? You may want to take a look at what Voodoo actually promulgates.
Further, please seek the truth always. It seems that you often try to deflect when TRUTH doesn’t fit your narrative of racial equality. What this issue brings up is the difference in cultures across the world, nothing more. It is not meant to disparage any one group, but instead meant to shed light on why the possibility of geese/cat/dog killing for sacrificial purposes is very real in Springfield, Ohio.
Interesting you bring up TRUTH when you have repeatedly ignored multiple sources that have debunked these awful rumors being spread about this community. You have the local police correcting people, and a woman who started the online rumors apologizing for recklessly posting something she didn’t validate. Yet that’s not enough for you. Why not?
You are bringing up voodoo on an article about a church helping harassed Haitians – including those facing bomb threats and who had their CHURCH broken into – as if some sort of “they practice voodoo in Haiti” will make terrorizing THIS particular community understandable.
If that’s your plight, fine. (Would it be ok if a community of American expats was being terrorized in a foreign country based on rumors about “what they do in America”? I wouldn’t think so.)
But again, that’s not what THIS article is about. I encourage YOU to seek truth and not just ANY information that will confirm this discriminatory harassment is okay. I encourage you to search scriptures and understand how what the local church is doing is demonstrating the love of Christ to a marginalized people.
Why are you so desperate to “find what’s ok” about this?
I join Jen in being upset over the same people who will claim they “love the people” (insert your Christianese on loving your Haitian brothers and sisters in Christ who had their church broken into), yet are silent….or seek information justifying this behavior.
Marin:
My comments stand. They are based on factual information. The article detailed the horrific treatment Christian Haitians are receiving based on a false story. I stand in solidarity with them and pray their persecution stops! That does not take away from the very real possibility ( indeed, likelihood) that Voodoo is being practiced by Haitians in the USA and that Voodoo involves animal sacrifice. Since there is a large Haitian population in Springfield, the likelihood of animal sacrifice is high.
“Why are you so desperate to “find what’s ok” about this?” I’m involved in some other online conversations and this is the same vibe there… a clear divide between claiming Christians who want to do what Jesus would do and another set of claiming Christians who want the lies and slander to be true somehow… for what purpose I wonder…? Maybe that’s the question we should be asking over and over; try to understand what is at the root of this ‘need’?
I’m observing a range from the vaguely committed/adjacent Maga/GOP to the hardline Trump/Vance supporter doing this… Trying “to find what’s ok” about brazen dehumanizing lies and mob incitement saga. They may not even like Trump/Maga that much, but it appears they all together dislike/fear and/or want to eliminate/somehow get rid of any and all immigrants (illegal or legal). Trump et al seem to know this – that’s why they promise mass deportation, which I’m fairly sure would sweep up more than just ‘illegals’… (“What, you’re a natural born citizen… you had papers… and somehow you got stuck on the boat too? Well, we can’t really do anything about that anymore can we? Certainly can’t let you back in… wink/wink to smirking colleagues). I suspect after seeing the vibe through this incident, comments here and elsewhere; that some claiming Christians want all immigrants in the USA, to be gone somehow, whatever it takes-gone.
Sandra,
Voodoo is not a widespread practice among Hatians, and any sort of animal sacrifice is an even smaller subset. It’s not “ignoring facts”, it’s recognizing the difference between truth and propaganda.
Also- the largest branch of Christianity fully believes they are ingesting the actual body and blood of Christ as often as they take communion, and all of the offshoots believe they are ingesting it symbolically, so maybe we should all calm down on pointing fingers about the weird bits of other religions we don’t understand, since we’ve normalized cannibalism- either literally or metaphorically- as a main factor in OUR religion (which, you know, also had a lot of animal sacrifice in it….)
Jen:
According to the U. S. State Department, some form of Voodoo is practiced by 50% to 80% of the Haitian population. It is often mixed in with other religions. And, by the way, sacrificing to Satan is not truly a “weird bit,” is it?
https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/HAITI-2018-INTERNATIONAL-RELIGIOUS-FREEDOM-REPORT.pdf
The most pathetic thing off all this is that 80%+ of U.S. White Evangelicals will be voting for the Trump/Vance ticket in November….
These letters all are telling a story. One maga leader can influence and poison the minds of millions…our churches are dying from all this nonsense. God is a useful tool to justify all kinds of hateful thoughts and actions…
Remember when President Barack Obama was referred to as the Deporter-in-Chief by immigrant rights groups? It was a problematic issue for him in his 2012 reelection campaign. And remember when President Donald Trump’s party controlled both chambers of Congress for two years and failed to propose any substantive immigration-reform legislation? And remember when the deeply Christian and very conservative Republican senator from Oklahoma, James Lankford, proposed the most sweeping immigration reform measure in decades and former President Donald Trump scuttled it when he found out President Joe Biden supported it? (Lankford still advocates for his failed measure on his official website, even though he voted against it! LOL) Ah, good times, good times.
Sadly many of the comments here have shown that people will lie and will defend those lies with more lies. Ohio officials have examined the rumors about Haitian immigrants and have shown them to be false and yet the web is filled with oddball/fringe sites claiming to defend those falsehoods.
It just goes to show. If people want to believe a lie they will rationalize and defend it contrary to all the evidence to show it to be false. So much for Evangelicalism being a faith that loves ALL truth. I’m glad to be out of that mess and to be looking at it as an outsider.
It’s so amazing that evangelicals still defend Trump despite his lies and those of Vance. The hypocrisy is sickening.
Putting aside all the historical and present reasons why people of all ethnicities, cultures and skin color move and migrate in the first place. (Though a few honest hours spent in any decent local library would make evident those very reasons)
In the Christian context – belief in the true identity, life and teachings of Christ – wouldn’t it be spiritually prudent to at least “err” on the side of compassion and grace.
Also, from what’s revealed in the Old and New Testament, it is difficult to envisage the fulfilled Kingdom of God being draped in, Stars and Stripes, Stars of David, Union Jacks or anything else of that nature.
George Arthur:
“I think we know where Cynthia is going with this. Sadly she appears to enjoy agitating others on the site. I have even suspected she might be a bot but every time I bring this up my comments are not posted. So much for protecting the truth.”
Where do you think I am “going with this”? Perhaps you were not aware that Voodoo sanctions, condones, and encourages animal sacrifice. It is likely that not all Haitians here in the USA are Christians. Is it possible that some still practice Voodoo?
If that is a possibility, then it is also a possibility that some of the new residents in Springfield brought their religion with them, right?
And, no, you have no idea where I’m going with this. The truth always stands whether you like it or not. It is important for ALL to understand that some Haitians likely ARE sacrificing animals as part of their normal practice. And, for the last time, I am NOT a bot. I love Jesus and hope my words will shed light on the whole picture, not just the part other Christians want to hear.
Cynthia, why do you want Trump/Vance’s accusation to be true? What benefit would you gain, or the country gain, or the community of Springfield gain, if your version of the ‘truth’ is even, hypothetically true? Why do you want that particular Haitian community or Haitans here in general, to look bad? What good to you or anybody else, comes from that?
Andrew Zook:
Why do you make the false assumption that I want the Trump/Vance accusations to be true? What in the world gave you that idea? I believe the accusations have already been debunked, haven’t they?
I am simply trying (with difficulty on this site) to point out the very real possibility that animal sacrifice is taking place as part of Voodoo rituals here in the USA and in Springfield, Ohio. People tend to bring their culture along with them when they travel, so it should not surprise us or shock us or even alarm us if we encounter those practices among the Haitian transplants.
Does that make them look bad? Not to me. I recognize it as part of their culture. Do you?
Marin Heiskell:
Your accusation:
“Cynthia wants you to research reasons to justify bias against Haitians who have migrated here legally. Bias that has led to death threats, bomb threats, and breaking into a Haitian CHURCH. But it’s “understandable” based on a practice that is done by a small minority as part of their religion.”
The last thing I want is the justification of bias against ANYONE, not just Haitians. It is important to acknowledge the difference in cultures around the world and to meet people where they are. If Haitians come here with a background that justifies sacrificing animals, why wouldn’t they continue that practice here in our country? It’s a definite possibility, right? To shut down that possibility simply because it was mentioned by Trump & Co. reveals a closed mind.
“70% Catholic, 30% Protestant, and 100% Vodou: A saying in Haiti suggests that this is the breakdown of the population.” (Online source). According to the New York Times, “50–95% of scholarly estimates suggest that this percentage of Haitians practice at least some elements of Vodou.”
https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/HAITI-2018-INTERNATIONAL-RELIGIOUS-FREEDOM-REPORT.pdf
Cynthia –
I’m not shutting it down because Trump or Vance said it. I’m shutting it down because it has been repeatedly debunked by the Republican governor, Republican mayor, and police chief; the woman who accused her Haitian neighbors of stealing her car (starting all this drama) RECANTED and apologized after her cat was found in the neighbor’s basement; the viral picture of the goose was proven by police to be roadkill being moved; Vance HIMSELF replying to questions about this by admitting he is “willing to make up stories” in service of a narrative; and literally all “proof” repeatedly being debunked.
Perhaps you should realize it’s not the truth just because Trump & Co said it. That is indicative of a closed mind. You acknowledge NOTHING that debunks your desperate attempt at labeling this community.
Better yet, go TO Haiti or get to know Haitian migrants or Haitian Americans. Again, you’ll learn voodoo is as common there as polygamy is here.
Marin:
Absolutely nothing you emoted here debunks my statements. Voodoo is practiced by a large percentage of the population in Haiti. That is just a fact. Haitians coming to the United States are not all Christians. That is just a fact. Haitians coming to Springfield, Ohio, are not all Christians. That is just a fact.
If one looks at these FACTS, it is easy to draw the conclusion that there is at least a possibility that some of the Haitians in Springfield are continuing to practice Voodoo.
So, please, don’t interpret my comments as “labeling this community.” That’s just not true. I am simply pointing out possibilities you are determined to shut down. As you know, I have lived all over the world during the course of my life. I have seen other cultures up close and personal. I have seen witchcraft practiced in parts of Africa, including the kidnap and murder of a little boy and the amputation of body parts.
The specific story mentioned in this article is likely untrue, based on all the evidence. That has nothing to do with the truth of my statements: Animal sacrifice is common in the practice of Voodoo. I would find it strange if none of the Haitian non-Christians in Springfield were practicing Voodoo.
As well traveled as you are, you clearly have not been to Haiti. I have. Voodoo is NOT practiced by the majority, but rather a small minority (similar to the size of the Mormon community in the states).
“There is at least a possibility” is not a fact. This community is being harassed over “there is at least a possibility”, with rumors consistently being debunked and NO proof emerging. When will we leave them alone? Or will we continue to be ok with them being threatened because “there is at least a possibility”?
And do you really want that same measure applied to other communities too?
And if the story in this article is “likely untrue”, what is there to argue about? That a church is helping them? I’m trying to understand why you are saying the story in this article is likely untrue, but arguing with people who are upset at how this community is being maligned over it, and grateful a local church is stepping in. What is your point?
And I’ll add, a lie even rooted in an inkling of truth is still a lie.
The Haitian community HERE in Ohio (not in Haiti) is being LIED on.
Repeatedly proven.
That is NOT ok.
I couldn’t agree more ! And I suggest that some of the writers take a step back and look in the mirror. Let’s pray and show love to our fellow citizens however they look and wherever they are from.
Marin,
Lying about ANY community is not okay. Hiding the truth is equally wrong. And lecturing me about my motives in presenting facts is childish.
Cynthia –
What truth is being hidden?
We are still waiting for proof of what is happening in Springfield, not Haiti. Where is it? Point us to names, times, dates, evidence and data on what is happening in Springfield, not in Haiti. Other than that, you have to admit you’re just conjecturing.
What do you want? You want people to say, “oh since voodoo is practiced in Haiti, the Haitian Americans MUST be doing it in Springfield too, which makes all the lies and assumptions and harassment they are enduring understandable”?
I won’t even go into how biased this is…there are immigrant communities all over the world who evolve and/or leave behind practices, religions and entire lifestyles when they immigrate. With how world traveled you are, I’d think you’d know this. You don’t even have to be world traveled to know this: we are a nation of generations of immigrants, with all sorts of languages, practices and religions that have evolved from native lands.
Hello Marin,
So far I can’t get a coherent answer from her either other than a link to the State Dept. For someone who claims to have a PhD (Note the Dr. In front of her name) there seems to be a deficiency her being able to offer reliable cited facts, to paraphrase, logically defend and synthesize responses to our comments and questions. All of those skills listed above are needed (And more) in order to acquire a PhD. Something seems very odd here.
I agree. And calling something ‘true’ ‘the truth’ and ‘factual’ does not magically make it ‘true’ ‘the truth’ and ‘factual’. I wish Cynthia would understand that.
George Arthur:
What facts mentioned in my posts are you disputing?
George Arthur:
Some facts for you from the State Department:
https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/HAITI-2018-INTERNATIONAL-RELIGIOUS-FREEDOM-REPORT.pdf