Yale Divinity School Professor Arrested At US Capitol For Praying: PD

NEW HAVEN, CT — Yale Divinity School professor Bishop William J. Barber II, 61, was arrested for praying aloud inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda Monday after being warned to stop, Capitol Police said.

"They were arrested for demonstrating inside the Congressional Buildings, which is not allowed in any form, to include but not limited to sitting, kneeling, group praying, singing, chanting, etc.," a Capitol Police spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "In this case, they started praying quietly and then began to pray out loud. That is when we gave them multiple warnings to stop, or they would be arrested. Three people didn’t stop."

Barber being one of the three. "There are other spots on Capitol grounds where this type of demonstrating is allowed," Capitol Police said.

Barber was charged with crowding, obstructing, and incommoding: "Basically, they just have to pay a ticket," a Capitol Police spokesperson told Patch.

Shortly after his arrest, Barber posted to "X:" “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

He also posted video of his sermon.

In a social media post from early April, Barber said that in March, he and other faith leaders were told they could not pray "or it would be seen as an act of protest."

"In fact, we could not even get in the position of prayer and lower our heads, or we would be arrested," he wrote.

Sunday's protest had Barber preaching a 'Sermon to the Nation.' Monday's action in front of the Supreme Court was dubbed the "Moral Monday, A Stand Against Injustice."

Founded by Barber, Repairers of the Breach, a national nonprofit organization of organizers, religious leaders, artists, strategists and advocates, posted to "X" about the protests.

"Join Bishop William J. Barber II and faith leaders at the Supreme Court to demand a moral budget that defends life, lifts the poor, and protects democracy," promotional flyers read.

According to Yale, Barber is a Professor in the Practice of Public Theology and Public Policy. He is also a Founding Director of the Center for Public Theology and Public Policy at Yale Divinity School. He serves as President and Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach, Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call For Moral Revival, Bishop with The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, and has been Pastor of Greenleaf Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Goldsboro, NC, for the past 29 years.