For many Haitian immigrants, Sunday mornings in Springfield, Ohio, are spent joyfully worshipping God as they sing and pray in their native Creole. This Sunday, they needed that uplifting balm more than ever. Their community is reeling from false accusations that they are eating their neighbor’s cats and dogs. The now viral and highly politicized rumors are being fueled by former President Donald Trump, his running mate JD Vance and others. Violent threats against the community are upending daily life in their city. The Rev. Carl Ruby, pastor of Central Christian Church, invited community members to join his congregation in prayer and peaceful protest of the false rumors leveled against their Haitian neighbors.
