Members of the Trumbull County Ministerial Alliance say they received numerous phone calls, some from residents who were upset, by the organization's announcement last week that they forgave a Warren police officer for making racial slurs.
The ministers held another press conference Tuesday to clarify their position.
The ministers say they still forgive Lt. Joe Marhulik but they stress they do not condone his actions and they do not believe he should be promoted anytime soon.
Marhulik, who admitted making the slurs in August, accepted a suspension for his actions. He is next in line to become captain but the city is holding off on that promotion for right now.
"His behavior is not acceptable and we do not support his promotion to a higher rank," said Rev. Joshua Moore, president of the ministerial alliance.
An internal affairs investigation into Marhulik's actions in August states that besides making the racial slures that evening, he was also found to have his adult son riding in his unmarked police car, while he was off duty, and that he had consumed alcohol while carrying his service revolver.
"Truly we think this guy's actions are unacceptable, basically he needs diversity training and treatment," Rev. Samson Murry said.
Lt. Marhulik said he understands the ministers' position and is sorry for his actions.
