American politician criticizes congressman for discrediting hierarchs

South Carolina House Representative Thomas Beach. Photo: Gage Skidmore

South Carolina State Representative Thomas Beach sharply criticized US Congressman Joe Wilson's statements that Orthodox Christians in America "could serve as vehicles" of foreign influence, reports the UOJ in America.

"Really ugly smear of Orthodox Christians as agents of a foreign power," Beach said on X. "This is beneath the office." 

Thomas Beach also called on Joe Wilson's son, Alan Wilson, who is the state's Attorney General and a candidate for governor, to stand up for the rights of Orthodox Christians: "I hope he will forthrightly speak in defense of the rights of Orthodox Christians to practice their faith without government persecution or harassment."

As reported, Joe Wilson circulated a letter among colleagues stating that participants in the White House meeting between the clergy of Orthodox Churches and the US Office of Religious Affairs "can serve as vehicles for intelligence collection or foreign influence operations directed at U.S. policymakers".

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