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| According to the American Library Association (ALA), 2022 saw the highest number for attempted book bans since they began compiling data over 20 years ago. They reported a 38% increase from 2021, and this concerning trend has only continued. Of the titles targeted by attempted bans, most were written by or included content about LGBTQ+ community members; Black, Brown, and Indigenous people, or people of different faiths or ethnicities.In the United Church of Christ, we believe God is speaking through a beautiful diversity of voices. We listen for God in a variety of places, including through books and media, and especially from those voices who have historically been marginalized or ignored. Book and media bans stand in direct opposition to this value of listening for a still speaking God.In September, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD) and Senator Brian Schatz (HI) reintroduced a Resolution recognizing Banned Books Week and condemning the rise of book bans across the country. This Resolution focuses on the role books play in democratic life and urges Congress to denounce illegitimate censorship of books in K-12 classrooms, universities, prisons, and libraries. Speak out for the freedom to read; contact your elected leaders and urge them to support the Banned Books Resolution. |
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