Rik Mehta Calls for a Statewide Day of Prayer, Peace and Nonviolence; Demands for Murphy to Reopen Houses of Worship Immediately

CHESTER, NJ — United States Senate Candidate and Republican frontrunner Dr. Rik Mehta has called for Governor Murphy to reopen places of worship and allow for the people of New Jersey to join together for a statewide Day of Prayer, Peace and Nonviolence.

“We are living in trying times. In the last few months, we have weathered the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, the horrific murder of George Floyd, and the unrest that followed. To make matters worse, our economy is in shambles and some small businesses may never reopen. With so much tragedy in our midst, we need God, we need prayer; it is imperative that religious leaders in our communities be allowed to resume faith-based services in-person so the people of our state can worship and invoke the power of prayer,” said Rik Mehta.

Mehta is urging Gov. Murphy to declare this Sunday, June 6^th, as a statewide Day of Prayer for all of those who have fallen victim to the tragedies in 2020. Mehta explained, “for many Americans, faith and prayer is the first place to turn in times of turmoil. It brings comfort, hope and a chance for peace. For this to happen, Governor Murphy MUST reopen our places of worship immediately.”

“There has not been a greater moment in my lifetime where we need unity and spiritual guidance than right now. Instead of standing idly by while the very fabric of our culture is torn apart by injustice and unnecessary hatred and violence, Governor Murphy continues to remain silent on this issue,” Mehta said.

“Enough is enough. I demand that Governor Murphy reopen our places of worship immediately so we may gather this Sunday in solidarity for the victims of COVID-19, the African-American community and every suffering family that has been hurt by the economic turmoil of 2020.” Mehta’s call to open houses of worship comes after Governor Murphy defied President Trump’s call to reopen houses of worship immediately.

This call to action comes in response to the challenges facing both New Jersey and the nation. New Jersey was among the hardest hit states by the coronavirus pandemic. Throughout this difficult process Murphy has shown himself to be one of the most unorganized governors in the country. His arbitrary and draconian shutdown rules have led to protest and outcries from small business owners and employees alike. In reaction to this, Mehta has led the movement to reopen New Jersey, speaking at multiple rallies to save New Jersey’s small businesses and save this state while protecting its hard-working people and healing racial tensions. Adding to the lingering emotional and economic effects of the pandemic, the unconscionable murder of George Floyd has led to violent riots nationwide, dividing and polarizing our state. Mehta’s call to action will unify New Jerseyans and our nation under God.