By: Madison Mayhew, Interfaith Power and Light Federal Policy Advocate
In late February, President Biden nominated Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the United States Supreme Court to replace Justice Stephen Breyer after he announced his retirement. Judge Jackson’s nomination is particularly significant as she is the first Black woman to ever be nominated as an Associate Justice for the Supreme Court, a huge moment for celebration.
As people of faith, we have a moral obligation to ensure justices on the high court are committed to equality under the law. Judge Jackson is eminently qualified and her credentials have proven a deep commitment to protecting the rights of ordinary Americans, from all backgrounds, not just the wealthy and powerful. Her character and qualifications have earned bipartisan support in all of her past confirmations as a federal judge. Her nomination to the Supreme Court is a historic opportunity to uphold our values to promote the dignity and worth of all people and to care for Creation.
Environmental laws are only as strong as the judges who uphold them, and the Supreme Court is at the center of key issues our country will be focused on in the years ahead. We need fair-minded judges who understand the difference between science and politics and recognize the government’s responsibility to protect public health and the environment. Whether addressing climate change or safeguarding our right to vote, we need a Supreme Court justice who is representative of our country’s diversity and can help restore trust and integrity in our nation’s highest court.
On Wednesday, March 30, national faith leaders joined together outside on the steps of the United States Supreme Court Building to speak out in support of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation. Additionally, 2,000 faith leaders from across the country have signed a letter addressed to the U.S. Senate calling for Judge Jackson’s nomination. Read the full letter here.
Upon being nominated by President Biden, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson said, “I must begin these very brief remarks by thanking God for delivering me to this point in my professional journey,” she said. “My life has been blessed beyond measure, and I do know that one can only come this far by faith.” It is long past due for Black women to have a seat on our nation’s highest court, and Judge Jackson is undeniably qualified for the job. Interfaith Power and Light joins with other faith based organizations and leaders in urging the Senate to confirm Judge Jackson to the Supreme Court.
