To the editor:

Justice Matters has been an outspoken opponent to Proposition 1. Justice Matters suggests it is doing this with support of all 21 designated “member congregations” in Lawrence. This representation is used to give great weight to their opposition. Justice Matters wants us to think “Oh, my, all of the 21 congregations are opposed to Proposition 1!” But, in fact they are not. The way Justice Matters portrays this support should be questioned.

Some of the “member congregations” no longer actively participate with Justice Matters or make financial contributions. Many have intentionally chosen not to take a position on Proposition 1 since their members are divided on the issue. Justice Matters should disclose which congregations have expressly authorized it to oppose this vote and which ones did not.

Justice Matters presents itself as a local organization which came about because two clergy friends met for coffee; the spontaneous local origin story presumably gives it an aura of authenticity. But in fact, from the beginning, it has been affiliated with the national organization Direct Action and Research Training (DART), which continues to provide a significant amount of financial support. It is unclear why Justice Matters doesn’t state its strong relationship to and influence by DART openly during this campaign.

At the time the congregations supported Justice Matters, there were three main issues. Opposition to jail expansion was not one of them. It had nothing to do with the initial support of the congregations whatsoever. This campaign against the jail appears to be internally generated by Justice Matters through its association with DART.

The voters in Douglas County deserve clarity.