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TIA President Says Church Politicking Bill Turns Houses Of Worship Into Campaign Halls

"Religion is striking a high profile in the 2004 campaign. But there are those eager to see it take on a much larger role - both now and in the future. More than 130 members of the US House of Representatives want to amend the law that prohibits partisan activity - such as political rallies, fundraisers, distribution of political literature, and direct endorsements from the pulpit - by pastors and houses of worship. They hope to do this by inserting a provision into a bill that is already before a House-Senate conference committee - thus avoiding public debate or votes in either body...."Imagine having a church meeting in which people try to decide which candidate to endorse," says the Rev. C. Welton Gaddy of the Interfaith Alliance. "Clergy are responsible to interpret aspects of our lives from the perspective of scriptures, but that's different from bestowing divine blessing on a candidate."" (The Christian Science Monitor, "Does US law mute voices of churches?," 09-23-04) READ FULL ARTICLE

National GOP To West Virginia Voters: Liberals Will Ban Bibles If Elected

"Campaign mail with a return address of the Republican National Committee warns West Virginia voters that the Bible will be prohibited and men will marry men if liberals win in November. The literature shows a Bible with the word "BANNED" across it and a photo of a man, on his knees, placing a ring on the hand of another man with the word "ALLOWED." The mailing tells West Virginians to "vote Republican to protect our families" and defeat the "liberal agenda."" (AP, "GOP Mailing Warns Liberals Will Ban Bibles," 09-17-04) READ FULL ARTICLE - READ THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE'S RESPONSE

Founded in 1994, The Interfaith Alliance (TIA) is a non-partisan, clergy-led grassroots organization dedicated to promoting the positive and healing role of religion in the life of the nation and challenging those who manipulate religion to promote a narrow, divisive agenda. With more than 150,000 members drawn from over 70 faith traditions, 47 local Alliances and a national network of religious leaders, TIA promotes compassion, civility and mutual respect for human dignity in our increasingly diverse society.

Posted by Jean on Thursday, September 23, 2004 at 4:26 PM | Permalink