This week, a handful of Republicans will hold hearings on the Hill to challenge new federal rules protecting the Internet. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reclassified providers who connect us to the Internet as common carriers and adopted strong rules banning them from blocking or slowing down sites and charging access fees.
The vote is already touted as among the greatest public interest victories in U.S. history, most vocally by the tech world. But also among those celebrating this vote are America’s Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and humanists. What’s faith got to do with it?
The Internet has become the prophetic platform of the 21st century. Progressive and conservative, a new generation of faith leaders are connecting with their congregations, serving communities, and organizing for change – all online. These prominent American faith leaders and faith-based organizations recognize that the open Internet is essential for their communities. The decisive vote for net neutrality promises to secure the future of religious and spiritual life in America. Congress should not roll back this historic victory, for God’s sake, and for ours.
The voices of people of faith have been seldom heard in the public debate on “net neutrality.” But in the last year of open Internet debate, the United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry coordinated a campaign to raise the profile of faith communities on the issue. Faithful Internet has amplified the voices of hundreds of faith leaders, including in testimonials and videos.
Read the full piece at The Hill.
Co-authored by Cheryl Leanza.