Clerics launch political group opposing Bush
I'm a born-again, Bible-believing, corn bread-craving Texan. And I feel obliged to say that because there's a carpetbagger in the White House.
- Rev. James Dunn
Well, Conservative groups have been monopolizing churches for years, so it's about damn time that a Liberal voice makes itself heard behind the pulpit. I only hope that they will be able to make an impact.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Mixing preaching with politics, several liberal and moderate religious leaders have started a political group to oppose President Bush's re-election and policies.
The Clergy Leadership Network will help churches, temples and mosques develop voter registration programs, run its own get-out-the-vote drives and, if it has enough money, air issue ads, said the Rev. Albert Pennybacker, the group's president and chief executive. He is former president of the Interfaith Alliance.
The group, which includes Jews, Muslims and Christians, will counter the conservative voice of Christian groups such as the Christian Coalition, said Pennybacker, who belongs to the Disciples of Christ, a Protestant denomination.
Network leaders stop short of saying they want a Democrat in the White House after next year's elections, but make it clear they want a change in leadership, including the president and the Republican-controlled Congress.
This is enough to make me scream "AMEN!!", but, being a Buddhist, and having grown up a Minnesota Lutheran, I tend to shy away for overt displays of emotion. Still, can you forgive a brother for feeling all warm and tingly??
I hope that, if nothing else, this group can help counter the perception that Christians (and, to a lesser degree, Muslims and Jews) are all "I got mine, you get yours", compassion-impaired Republicans. Unfortunately, it's those folks who have been making the most noise. They've also been far better organized. Thankfully, that's about to change.
I still believe that the craven expolitation of religion for political gain is just plain wrong. Sometimes, though, you have to face your adversary on their turf. It's time for Liberals to be able to make their case on Sunday mornings in the same way Conservatives have been doing for years.
