Church Leaders Open Letter on Marijuana

AN OPEN LETTER FROM FAITH LEADERS OPPOSING THE LEGALIZATION OF RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA

TO: Governor Josh Shapiro, PA State Legislators, and State Officials

CC: Honorable Kim Ward, President pro tempore, Pennsylvania Senate
Honorable Joe Pittman, Majority Leader, Pennsylvania Senate
Honorable Jay Costa, Minority Leader, Pennsylvania Senate
Honorable Joanna McClinton, Speaker, Pennsylvania House
Honorable Matthew Bradford, Majority Leader, Pennsylvania House
Honorable Jesse Topper, Minority Leader, Pennsylvania House 

DATE: Spring, 2025 

We respectfully submit this letter in firm opposition to the legalization of recreational marijuana in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This statement is endorsed by around 200 Pastors and Leaders of the Christian Faith Community, representing more than 1,100 churches and organizations that collectively reach an estimated 150,000 parishioners and individuals across multiple counties and political districts.

We urge you to consider the concerns outlined in this letter thoughtfully and to reflect on the potential negative consequences such legislation could have on the health, safety, and well-being of our communities.

As Church leaders, Pastors, and Ministry leaders from all across Pennsylvania, we are deeply invested in the well-being of our communities. We have witnessed firsthand how substance abuse can devastate families, derail promising futures, and burden our healthcare and social service systems. Our opposition to marijuana legalization for recreational use stems from a genuine concern for public health, the protection of our most vulnerable citizens, and out of love for our neighbors. 

As leaders representing diverse churches and communities, we stand united in expressing our deep concern over the movement to commercialize the sale of marijuana for recreational use. While we recognize the complexities surrounding drug policy and criminal justice reform, we believe that legalizing recreational marijuana will have harmful consequences for individuals, families, and society at large.

The Scriptures teach us to uphold the dignity of every human life and to seek the well-being of our communities. We are called to advocate for policies that promote health, moral responsibility, and the flourishing of all people—especially the most vulnerable. The widespread availability and commercialization of recreational marijuana pose significant risks that should not be ignored.

Today’s marijuana and THC-infused kid-friendly vapes, edibles, dabs, and more are dangerous drugs. A policy change to commercialize the sale of these drugs for recreational purposes would hurt Pennsylvania families and communities. There is substantial evidence that marijuana use is contributing to rising addiction rates and other serious harms, and commercializing its sale will make these issues worse.

The Dangers of Legalization:

1. Harm to Public Health – Scientific studies have shown that marijuana use, particularly among young people, is linked to cognitive impairment, increased risk of mental health disorders, and addiction. The normalization of marijuana use sends a message that its use is safe and acceptable, undermining efforts to prevent substance abuse.
2. Negative Impact on Families and Communities – Families are the foundation of our society. Marijuana use can contribute to instability in households, impaired parenting, and increased substance abuse among minors. Our communities are already grappling with addiction crises, and legalizing another intoxicating substance will exacerbate these challenges.
3. Increased Societal Costs – The alleged economic benefits of legalization do not outweigh the long-term societal costs, including increased healthcare expenses, impaired workforce productivity, and traffic-related accidents. States that have legalized marijuana have seen a rise in emergency room visits and public safety concerns.
4. Moral and Spiritual Concerns – The Bible cautions against intoxication, emphasizing the importance of clarity of mind and self-control. The recreational use of marijuana fosters escapism rather than responsible living and personal growth. As faith leaders, we are concerned about the spiritual well-being of individuals who may turn to substances rather than to faith, family, and community for support.

We urge lawmakers and citizens to seek opportunities that prioritize prevention, education, and rehabilitation rather than the legalization and commercialization of harmful drugs.

We call upon our fellow citizens, public officials, and community leaders to stand for policies that protect human dignity, public health, families, and moral responsibility.

Together, let us choose a path that upholds the common good, safeguards our youth, and fosters communities where individuals can thrive without the harmful effects of recreational marijuana.

For the well-being of Pennsylvania, we urge you to oppose this harmful policy that could lead to irreversible moral and societal consequences.

Signed by (Faith Leader Names Added Daily):

Dr. Donald J. Immel, District Superintendent, PennDel Assemblies of God, Mechanicsburg, PA

Dr. Todd J. Williams, President and CEO, Cairn University, Langhorne PA

Dr. Barry Whitworth, Executive Director, Baptist Resource Network, Harrisburg, PA

Dr. Eric Hussar, Pennsylvania State Director, American Academy of Medical Ethics, Lancaster, PA

Dr. Charles Stock, Lead Pastor, Life Center Ministries International, Harrisburg, PA

Dr. Richard Hoffman, Clinical Director, Christian Counseling Associates, PA

Dilonna M. Coran, State Director, Concerned Women for America of Pennsylvania, Jersey Shore, PA

Lester Zimmerman, Apostolic Leader, Hopewell Network of Churches, New Holland, PA

Chandy Thomas, Director, Clear River Network & Associate Pastor, Life Center Ministries International, Harrisburg, PA

Brent Martin, Pastoral Engagement Director, Philadelphia Gospel Movement, Philadelphia, PA

Jamie Mitchell, Director of Church Culture, American Pastors Network, Elverson, PA

John Shelly, Ministry Commission Chair, Southern PA District of Church of the Brethren, Gardners, PA

Deryl Hurst, Senior Pastor, Dove Westgate Church, Ephrata, PA

Andy Weber, Finance & Operations Missionary, Baptist Resource Network, Harrisburg, PA

Greg Funk, Lead Pastor, Grace Baptist Church/The Way Recovery Houses, Lancaster, PA

Benjamin S. Dodd, M.A., LPC, Director, Lifespring Counseling, Petra Church, New Holland, PA

Mike Greiner, Lead Pastor, Harvest Church - Kittanning Campus, Kittanning, PA

Kurt Weaver, Director, Church Ambassador Network, Harrisburg, PA

Mark A. Griffin, Founder, IHN HR, Lancaster, PA 

Josh Simonetti, Pastor, Freedom Life Church, Bellefonte, PA

Nancy Lennert, Board President, Transformative Solutions Network, Reading, PA

John Schreier, Pastor, Calvary Chapel, Quakertown, PA

Derek Weidman, Pastor, Freedom Life Church, Lancaster, PA

Pastor Jamie Santiago , Executive Director, Restart Training Center Ministry, Strasburg, PA

Michael Kaucher, CEO, Transformative Solutions Network, Reading, PA

Pastor Scott Kramer, Lead Pastor, GT Church, Reading, PA

Marcia R. Dodd, Ministry Director, Lifespring Counseling, Petra Church, New Holland, PA

Alicia Martin, Associate Pastor, Grace Church, Reading, PA

Christie Werkheiser, Counselor, Lifespring Counseling, Petra Church, New Holland, PA  

Michael Geer, President, PA Family Institute, Harrisburg, PA

Christopher DiVietro, Senior Pastor, Park Road Presbyterian Church, Wyomissing, PA

Dave Weber, Associate Pastor, Shiloh Mennonite Church, Reading, PA

Phillip Huggins, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Rochester, PA

Dan Blank, Pastor, Reich's EC Church, Marietta, PA

Jeremy Brandenburg, Pastor, Redeemer Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Carlisle, PA

Dr. Tucker York, Executive Pastor, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lancaster, PA

Paul Dunbar, Pastor, Franklintown United Brethren Church, Franklintown, PA

Dave Biser, Senior Pastor, Crosspoint Church, Harrisburg, PA

Roberto Albino, Associate Pastor, Central Assembly of God, Bethlehem, PA

Stanley Helm, Senior Pastor, Armstrong Valley Bible Baptist Church, Halifax, PA

Michael Boole, Principal, Canaan Christian Academy, Lake Ariel, PA

Mark Novales, Senior Pastor, City Reach Church, Philadelphia, PA 

Joel Barrick, Pastor, Great Hope Baptist Church, Carlisle, PA

Melinda Hillegass, Pastor, Healing Waters Church of God, Woodbury, PA

Jeremy Hetrick, Lead Pastor, Redeeming Grace Church, Mechanicsburg, PA

Dr. Michael Couch, Pastor, Berean Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA

Peter Fiorello, Executive Director, Black Rock Christian Camp & Retreat Center, Quarryville, PA

Todd Baker, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Elimsport, Allenwood, PA

Joshua Conlon, Lead Pastor, Good News Free Will Baptist Church, York, PA

Meredith Parente, Director, The Magee Project, Pittsburgh, PA

Phil Horning, Lead Pastor, Gehman Mennonite Church, Adamstown, PA

Ken Reinford, Executive Pastor, Petra Church, New Holland, PA

Benny Sorbello, Associate Pastor, Friendship Community Church of God, Dover, PA

Dwane Reitz, Missions Pastor, Petra Church, New Holland, PA

Russell Havener, Senior Pastor, Nanty Glo Alliance Church, Nanty Glo, PA

Tracy Coles, Pastor, Petra Church, New Holland, PA

Brian Coles, Lead Pastor, Petra Church, New Holland, PA

Sharon Zimmerman, Pastor, Petra Church, New Holland, PA

Dr. Tim Parker, Senior Pastor, Stewartstown Baptist Church, Stewartstown, PA

Dr. Keith Blank, Retired Pastor, Trinity EC Church Harrisburg, PA

Edward Guyer, Pastor, Grace Christian Fellowship, Needmore, PA

Mason Brown, Pastor, Trinity Full Gospel Chapel, Elizabethtown, PA

Anne Kovach, President, Share The Power, Bethlehem, PA

Dr. Douglas C. Bozung, Lead Pastor, Christian Fellowship Church, New Holland, PA

Larry W. Parlett, Visitation Pastor, Bethany Red Lion, Airville, PA

Marian Betances, Pastor, The Gathering Place, Bethlehem, PA

Melvin Padilla, Pastor, Lamb of God & Courageous Ministries, Reading, PA

Roque Santiago, Pastor, First Bilingual Church of Harrisburg, Harrisburg, PA

Elmer Fisher, Pastor, Petra Church, New Holland, PA

Katherine Anderson, Youth Pastor, Life Center Ministries, Harrisburg, PA

Benjamin Evenson, Pastor, Life Center Ministries, Harrisburg, PA

Linda Brink, Co-Founder, Eastgate Revival Ministries, Harrisburg, PA

James Healy, Shepherd, Selah Life Ministries, Coatesville, PA

Jennifer Craft, Marriage Ministry Leader, Life Center Ministries, Harrisburg, PA

Tannon Herman, Executive Director, Wildheart Ministries, Harrisburg, PA

Casey Peltier, Founder, Generation 333, Harrisburg, PA

Daniel Peltier, Co-Founder, Generation 333, Harrisburg, PA

Susan Roby, Licensed Minister, Life Center Ministries, Harrisburg, PA

Peter Privitera, Senior Pastor, Crossway Church of Lancaster, Millersville, PA

Andrea Jones, President, Extra Mile Ministries, Harrisburg, PA

Vincent Viozzi, Senior Leader, Vince Viozzi Ministries, Palmyra, PA

Deena Van't Hul, Director of Global Schools, Global Awakening, Mechanicsburg, PA

Matthew Rudolph, Director, Gateways Beyond International, Harrisburg, PA

Jolene Pickens, Pastor, Life Center Ministries, Harrisburg, PA

Megan Layng, Co-Leader, Home Church, State College, PA

Curt Nunemaker, Assoc. Pastor of Multimedia, Life Center Ministries, Harrisburg, PA

Karren Turner, Healing the Heart Prayer Minister, Life Center Ministries, Harrisburg, PA

John Turner, Healing the Heart Prayer Minister, Life Center Ministries, Harrisburg, PA

Michael Blevins, President, Well Encounters Ministry, Harrisburg, PA

David Torres, Senior Pastor, Rescatando el Mundo Para Christo, Lancaster, PA

Ryan Bastress, Minister, Wake Ministries, Hanover, PA

Ken Layng, Co-Leader, Organic Christian Church of State College, State College, PA

Troy Williams, Lead Pastor, Calvary Church, Lebanon, PA

Benjamin R. Wright, Long-Term Supply Priest, Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, Beaver, PA

Scott Kappes, Retired Pastor, Bible Fellowship Church, Macungie, PA

Adrienne D'Orsie, Children's Ministry Volunteer, Praise Community Church, Mounty Wolf, PA

Matt Meservy, Pastor of Family & Adult Ministries, Christian Fellowship Church, New Holland, PA

Dave Long, Pastor, Salem Church, Lenhartsville, PA

Donald Lamb, Pastor, LifeGate Church, Elizabethtown, PA

Louis Prontnicki, Retired Pastor, Trinity Community Church, Ambler, PA

Donald Grant, Senior Pastor, Hillview Wesleyan Church, Lock Haven, PA

Melissa Colleen Sugden, Intercessor, Crown of Life, Lancaster, PA

Stephen Coran, Senior Pastor, Restoration Church, Jersey Shore, PA

Jeff Burkholder, Senior Pastor, Community Bible Church, Marietta, PA

Rodger Schmell, Pastor, Deep Run West Mennonite Church, Perkasie, PA

Jerry Hurst, Deacon, Martindale Mennonite Church, Denver, PA

Charles Winkelman, Pastor Emeritus, Jersey Shire Presbyterian Church, Jersey Shore, PA

Kevin Kirkpatrick, Pastor, Terre Hill Bible Fellowship,Church, Terre Hill, PA

Gretchen Madea, Pastor, Crown of Life Fellowship, Lancaster, PA

Linda Harnish, Pastor, Georgetown Methodist Church, Holtwood, PA

Jose Aguilera, Pastor, Fountain of Life Christian Church, Philadelphia, PA

John Bellis, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Quakertown, Quakertown, PA

Timothy Brubaker, Pastor, Cornerstone Independent Baptist Church, Enola, PA

Jeff Farley, Minister, Stillwater Christian Church, Stillwater, PA

Patricia M. Bear, Associate Pastor, Crown of Life Fellowship, Lancaster, PA

Blake A. Stehr, Finance Director, Covenant Fellowship Church, Glen Mills, PA

Cynthia R. Vogel, Outreach Pastor, Church at the Heights, Gibsonia, PA

Doug Plank, Pastor, Crossway Church, Millersville, PA

Archibald Beare, Senior Pastor, Grace Bible Chapel, Rising Sun, PA

Kevin Busch, Executive Pastor, Living Hope Church, Middletown, PA

Sheri Hess, Pastor, Christ Community Church, Camp Hill, PA

Mark Kreig, Associate Pastor, Christ Community Church, Camp Hill, PA

Greg Drayer, Pastor, Rolling Hills Baptist Church, Verona, PA

Paul Vashchishin, Senior Pastor, Ukrainian Baptist Church, Crum Lynne, PA

Robert Sheldon, Pastor, Greencastle Baptist Church, Greencastle, PA

Christopher Schlensker, Pastor, Valley Baptist Church, Middletown, PA 

G. Mike Bailey, Lead Pastor, IMPACT Church, Parkesburg, PA

Charles Fricker, Senior Pastor, Harvest House Community Fellowship, Towanda, PA

Robert Shallenberg, Senior Pastor, North Apollo Church of God, North Apollo, PA

Daniel Arter, Teaching Pastor, Grace Reformed Baptist Church, Ramey, PA

Brandon Hancock, Lead Pastor, Millcreek Community Church, Erie, PA

Ron Rush, Pastor, New Providence Baptist Church, New Providence, PA

Aaron Nygren, Pastor, New Hope Bible Fellowship, Homer City, PA

Dennis Witt, Senior Pastor, Hazleton Community Church, Hazleton, PA

Michael A Coleman, Lead Pastor, Edgewood Church, Beaver Falls, PA

Sam Wells, Lead Pastor, Crosspoint Baptist Church, Souderton, PA

Roger Bantawan, Pastor, ReNew Bible Church International, Upper Darby, PA

Bonny Moreta, Pastor, La Fuente Biblical Church, Harrisburg, PA

Tim Walker, Lead Pastor, Restored Church, Wilkes Barre, PA

David McCoy, Pastor, Nippenose Bible Fellowship, Williamsport, PA

Tim Richmond, Pastor, New Beginnings Baptist, Osceola Mills, PA

John Watson, Retired Pastor, First Baptist, Rochester PA

Yaroslav Narovchenko, Pastor, Lifeway Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA

Donn Chapman, Pastor Emeritus, Cornerstone Ministries, Murrysville, PA

Durean Coleman, Executive Director, Peniel Residential Drug/Alcohol Treatment Center, Johnstown, PA

Lisa Buckwalter, Director, Educational Tutoring & Counseling, Lititz, PA

Paul H. Buckwalter, Board Member, Lancaster County ACTION, Lititz, PA

D. Merle Skinner, Executive Director, ICV Christian Family & Children's Center, Champion & Donegal, PA

Robert Peck, K12 Principal, The Samuel School, Camp Hill, PA

Doug Lehman, Lead Pastor, Overflow Community Church, Chambersburg, PA

Ronald Myer, Director, DOVE USA, Lititz, PA

Keith Nonemaker, Co-Pastor, West Shore Church of the Brethren, Enola, PA

Roger Erdvig, Director of Worldview Education, Summit Ministries, Manitou Springs, CO

Richard Weitzel, Associate Pastor, Living Waters Chapel, Lebanon, PA

Vincent Weaver, Chief Financial Officer, Weaver Nut Company, Lebanon, PA

Steven Schall, Treasurer, Punxsutawney Alliance Church, Punxsutawney, PA

Alan Eckenroad, Pastor, Beech Creek Wesleyan Church, Beech Creek, PA

William Green, Founder, The Mordecai Mission, Blakeslee, PA

Benjamin R. Wright, Long-Term Supply Priest, Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, Beaver, PA

Evelyn Zapata, Children's Ministry Leader, Calvary Chapel, Dingmans Fry, PA

James Gay, Lead Pastor, Greater Johnstown Christian Fellowship, Johnstown, PA

Alec Millen, Lead Pastor, One Coty Church, Lancaster, PA

Ronald R. Hartman, Elder, Zions Church, Kempton, PA

Tony McCauslin, Worship Pastor, Heritage Assembly of God, Gettysburg, PA

Melba McCleary, Pastor, Mt. Nebo Assembly of God, Delta, PA

Beth Nonemaker, Co-Pastor, West Shore Church of the Brethren, Enola, PA

Diane Sipe, Music Ministry Leader, Faith Outreach Center, York Springs, PA

Brandon Gilanyi, Associate Pastor, All Saints Church, New Holland, PA

Nathan Bramlet, Pastor, Grace Baptist Church of Kittanning, Kittanning, PA

Deb Weber, Asst. Treasurer, West Shore Church of the Brethren, Enola, PA

Devin Blankenbiller, Lead Pastor, Abundant Life Church, Birdsboro, PA

Ronald Korzeniowski Jr., Pastor, Parsonville Assembly of God, Houtzdale, PA

James Goodman, Lead Pastor, Life Community Church, Du Bois, PA

Scott Greiner, Associate Pastor, Dove Westgate Church, Ephrata, PA

Allan Thorpe, Lead Pastor, Albion Assembly of God Church, Albion, PA

Dr. Jeremy Bowser, Pastor, Grace Fellowship, McDonald, PA

Dave Wolf, Lead Pastor, Grace Point, Newtown, PA

Tim Halbfoerster, Pastor, River of God Church, Mechanicsburg, PA

Fred Catchpole, Pastor, Hope Springs Church, Clymer, PA

Dr. David Kieffer, Pastor, Ephrata Reformed Presbyterian Church, Ephrata, PA

Gloria Costanza, Teach of Catechists, St. John the Evangelist. Pleasant Mt, PA

Dan Skogen, Pastor, Oxford Valley Chapel, Levittown, PA

Barb Musser, Teacher, Oasis Bible Study, New Providence, PA

Jerry Hurst, Deacon, Martindale Mennonite Church, Denver, PA

Joanne Prazenica, Eucharistic Minister, St. Dorothy's Parish, Drexel Hill, PA

Phil Horning, Lead Pastor, Gehman Mennonite Church, Adamstown, PA

Cheryl Lutch, Lay Leader, Emeigh Methodist Church, N Cambria, PA

Sheila Milz, Music Dirctor, Palisades Community Bible Church, Hellertown, PA

Bill Strathmann, Retired Deacon, Diocese of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA