Greater Cleveland Congregations

As a trained attorney, Mr. O’Malley is well versed in the law and should understand the implication of a making the assertion of ‘extortion.’ GCC is an organization of people of faith, not ‘extortionists.’ His charges are non-factual. We look forward to working with the County Prosecutor’s Office now and in the future to address disparities, inequities and injustice responding in our Criminal Justice system for youth, racial minorities, the poor, the mentally challenged, substance abuse impacted and the wrongfully convicted.” – Rev. Dr. Jawanza Karriem Colvin, Pastor, Olivet Institutional Baptist Church

“Jesus teaches Christians: ‘If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also.’ He doesn’t mean we should accept abuse. He means that rather than fight back or run away, there is a third way: sacred resistance. In response to Prosecutor O’Malley’s false accusation that GCC participated in ‘extortion,’ as people of faith we will not fight back on his terms, nor will we run away from the conflict. We will hold steady—working towards solutions for safety and justice in our community. It’s unfortunate that we’re wasting time addressing his outrageous accusation while our neighbors suffer. When Prosecutor O’Malley is ready to continue working with the community on solutions, GCC is ready to partner.” – Ryan Wallace, Senior Pastor, Fairmount Presbyterian Church

“I am disappointed and, frankly, amazed that the County Prosecutor, the County’s chief lawyer, would ‘lob’ a public ‘extortion’ accusation at GCC.  His ‘facts’ and law are wrong. When they go low, GCC goes high.” – Louise W. McKinney, retired public interest lawyer & Law Professor and member of St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church

“Whether due to a lack of understanding or intentional misrepresentation, I was deeply disappointed by Prosecutor O’Malley’s  recent and distorted characterization of Greater Cleveland Congregation’s efforts to encourage more support for our community’s most vulnerable citizens and to bring more fairness to our juvenile justice system. I am proud to be part of an organization like GCC that is willing to advocate for policies aimed at improving the material, moral and spiritual well-being of our region; an essential perspective at all times, but which is most important when those in positions of political power are resistant to prioritizing such goals.” – Rabbi Steve Segar, Congregation Kol HaLev

“Unfortunately, Prosecutor O’Malley’s assertions fail to acknowledge and consider the developmental, psychological, and epigenetic factors that argue strongly for compassionate and foresightful ways to deal with youths who commit serious crimes — ways that rehabilitate offenders rather than reinforce their status as social deviants — and also offer the real possibility of providing greater longterm safety for our community.” – Richard F. Rakos, PhD Clinical Psychologist, Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple

“Prosecutor O’Malley was a crucial ally in working with GCC to get the Crisis Diversion Center up and running in Cuyahoga County.  Thus, it is deeply disappointing to see that he is now making inflammatory, false statements about GCC as an organization.  Having attended the prep meeting with him, I can unequivocally say that GCC never once asked for any money for GCC, and an extortion claim is insulting and absurd.” – Donna Weinberger, MSW, LISW, Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, GCC Strategy Team member

“As a co-founder of Greater Cleveland Congregations, I am stunned that County Prosecutor O’Malley had the temerity to accuse GCC of untoward intentions. The suggestion that GCC is practicing “extortion” is a grave one, and I implore Prosecutor O’Malley to walk back his words. We will not allow our name to be besmirched. My community’s association with GCC has always hinged on the integrity of its mission to be a faith-based, value-driven, representative body of the good people of Cuyahoga County.” – Rabbi Joshua Caruso, Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple

“Children are the most vulnerable among us, and they need someone to stand up for them.” – Lee Markowitz, B’nai Jeshurun Congregation and GCC Strategy Team member

“I cannot imagine how Prosecutor O’Malley could make the claim he was ‘not told’ who the money was for. He was absolutely and clearly informed. The question we presented to him named the intended recipient, was read aloud and shown in print via screen share on our Zoom call.” – Diana Woodbridge, Forest Hill Church, Presbyterian