Rep. Ben Davis Issues Statement on Cities Church Incident

St. Paul — Representative Ben Davis (R–Merrifield), pastor and state legislator, released the following statement regarding the recent disruption of a church service in St. Paul:

“As both a pastor and a public servant, I hold deep reverence for our places of worship and the vital role they play in the spiritual and communal life of Minnesotans. A church service is far more than an ordinary public gathering. It is a family united in faith, seeking peace, comfort, and a deeper connection with God.

What happened this past weekend at the church in Minneapolis was not a valid expression of any right. It was an unwarranted intrusion into a sacred moment that violated the congregation’s constitutional rights to peacefully assemble and freely exercise their religion. Rather than fostering understanding, it instilled fear and disrupted a time dedicated to prayer, reflection, and tranquility. Harassment and intimidation are wrong.

We can and must debate our differences passionately in public forums, at rallies, and through open dialogue. Our Constitution safeguards freedom of speech, but those protections do not include violating the right to assemble, disrupting worship services, infringing upon religious freedom, or causing distress to those gathered in reverence.

Such actions do not build bridges; they burn them. They do not persuade hearts; they harden them. If the goal is genuine change, it must come through mutual respect and honest engagement, not through tactics that demean others or exploit their most sacred moments.

Minnesotans deserve better. Our faith communities deserve better. And those who violate that sacred trust and infringe upon fundamental rights must be held accountable.

Governor Walz’s silence on this intrusion speaks volumes.”