SPOKANE, Wash. — Update: On Tuesday, Mayor Woodward's campaign sent KREM 2 the following statement:
“I did not seek, nor do I accept any support from Matt Shea. I am opposed to his political views as they are a threat to our democracy, and I regret my public appearance with him. I was invited to share in prayer with several thousand citizens out of heartfelt concern for fire victims, first responders and our whole community. I was not aware that he would be at the event last night and it only became apparent as I was walking on stage that he would be leading the prayer. I should have made better efforts to learn who would be speaking at the event.
There will be plenty of time to discuss political positions during the rest of this campaign. Now, as our region is hurting and our focus is on friends, neighbors, loved ones and the response effort, is not the time. All day yesterday not one fire victim or first responder asked me about my political views. But they did ask us to pray for them.”
Original story:
Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward is responding to criticisms about her appearance at Let Us Worship, a prayer rally with Christian nationalism connotations. Woodward joined Matt Shea on stage for prayer. Shea is a former Washington state representative who was expelled from the State Republican Caucus after an independent investigation found he committed acts of domestic terrorism. Shea founded On Fire Ministries, a religious group criticized for extremism.
The event was led by Sean Feucht, a Christian nationalist preacher denounced by several Pacific NW faith leaders for hateful rhetoric against members of the LGBTQ+ communities.
While many at the event prayed for the victims of the devastating wildfires in Spokane County, Matt Shea brought Mayor Woodward on stage to pray for her reelection. The video quickly spread on X (Twitter), with questions about the mayor's stance on Shea after she and various community leaders called for his resignation as a Spokane Valley Rep. for his connection to a group training young men in "biblical warfare."
"I strongly condemn Representative Matt Shea’s divisive and extreme rhetoric and ideology. I believe in inclusive and open leadership that equally represents all residents. I call on his constituents to make their decision about what values they want represented in Olympia," Woodward said in 2019.
In response to the backlash on social media, Mayor Woodward posted the following response in a media release.
“I am deeply disturbed that Matt Shea chose to politicize a gathering of thousands of citizens who joined together yesterday to pray for fire victims and first responders. I attended the event with one purpose only and that was to join with fellow citizens to begin the healing process. I am also disappointed that Lisa Brown has chosen to distract from our community’s primary purpose at this moment – and that is to do all that we can to embrace the victims and help them in their time of need.”
Matt Shea took to X(Twitter) to dispute Mayor Woodward's claim that she only showed up to pray for wildfire victims.
Lisa Brown, Mayor Woodward's Democratic challenger in the upcoming election, took the opportunity to call for the rejection of those who spread hate speech.
On Thursday, Spokane city council members Betsy Wilkerson, Karen Stratton and Zack Zappone issued a joint statement responding to Woodward's appearance:
“This pre-planned appearance by Mayor Woodward is alarming and makes clear that she is comfortable embracing dangerous and hateful individuals," Zappone stated. "Minutes before calling Woodward on stage, Shea stated the problems he believes the country is facing, specifically naming wildfires, homosexual marriage, and transgender issues. As member of the LGTBQ community, I feel the hatred and violence that is being directed towards families like mine. Elected officials must be leaders that make it clear that hatred and extremism have no place in Spokane.”
“As elected leaders, we pledge to accept and serve all citizens of our community, regardless of race, religion, color, and sexual identity,” Stratton stated. “Our goal should always be to enhance the quality of life and promote belonging for every single citizen. Judging others and promoting fear, hatred, violence, and bigotry is never the answer. We will continue to help make Spokane a better place – where people feel safe, see, and heard.”
“The Mayor’s recent attendance at a concert over the weekend was indeed unexpected," Wilkerson stated. "The previous statements of the organizers of the concert against women, Muslims, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are unacceptable and should never be tolerated. I take my oath, civic responsibility, and leadership seriously as should all public servants.”
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