Local Bishop provides insight on recent Israel-Hamas protests

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — As the antisemitism protests continue across the country on several college campuses, one local Bishop is urging people to refrain from using hate while protesting and instead respect the beliefs of everyone.

Bishop Mark Brennan from the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston recently wrote a letter regarding the hundreds of people who have been affected by the war between Hamas and Israel.

In the letter, Bishop Brennan says although the war has induced strong feelings and opinions among people, it is no excuse to use hateful and disrespectful language about people’s beliefs and religions.

He says protesting with hate and anger rather than with peace and solidarity simply makes the entire situation worse.

”It doesn’t help the situation to engage in violent rhetoric, hateful speech. It just doesn’t contribute to a solution to the problem. It only makes people more angry and riled up and perhaps prone to do things which will hurt others.”

Bishop Mark Brennan – Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston

Bishop Brennan says disagreeing with certain policies surrounding the war isn’t the issue, but those who are protesting based on their belief about another religion are what he is concerned about.

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