There is no joy in the impeachment proceedings that are moving forward in Congress. As the House Judiciary Committee debated the two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, we saw the settling gloom of congressional partisanship. Painful as this process is, the Friends Committee on National Legislation fully supports the impeachment process established by the U.S. Constitution.
Last month, our governing body, FCNL’s General Committee, approved our statement of legislative policy that guides FCNL’s position:
“We hold our government institutions and officials to rigorous ethical standards of fairness, honesty, openness, and avoidance of even the appearance of conflicts of interest. We expect our government to abide by the U.S. Constitution, national and international law, and international treaties. The system of checks and balances among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches is central to our form of government and must be strengthened.”
The U.S. Constitution authorizes Congress to remove a president from office for “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.” The impeachment inquiry by committees of the House of Representatives has resulted in two articles of impeachment – abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. We urge every member of Congress to be guided by the facts and by their conscience as the full House votes on the articles of impeachment and as the president stands trial in the U.S. Senate to determine if he abused his office for personal gain and if he obstructed justice.
Although we know how the political divisions in our country, and reflected in Congress, tear at the fabric of common good, this impeachment process is essential to fully use the powers established as foundational to this democracy – in particular the separation of powers between all branches of government. Congress has the authority and the obligation to determine if the president has violated his oath of office and harmed the country.
The mission of the Friends Committee on National Legislation is to influence federal policies to create a world free of war and the threat of war, a society with equity and justice, communities where every person’s potential may be realized, and an earth restored. This vision can only happen if all of us who live in this country, especially our leaders, conduct ourselves responsibly and courageously.
As people of faith, we believe that this impeachment process is imperative to affirm the U.S. Constitution and preserve our democracy.
