Faith In Public Life Proudly Cosponsors Forum on Compassion with McCain and Obama at Saddleback

July 21, 2008

As reported in Monday's New York Times, Faith In Public Life is cosponsoring Senators Obama and McCain's first joint event of the campaign, the Saddleback Civil Forum on Leadership and Compassion, on August 16th at Saddleback Church, home of Rick Warren, author of the bestselling The Purpose Driven Life.

Much like The Compassion Forum at Messiah College, which brought together diverse faith leaders and Senators Clinton and Obama in April for an unprecedented in-depth conversation, the Saddleback forum will focus on pressing moral issues on which people of faith are taking action -- such as HIV/AIDS, poverty, climate change, and human rights.

We'll be posting regular updates on event details between now and August 16. Subscribe to our RSS feed to get the latest information as soon it's published!

Faith's Profile In The '08 Race

July 16, 2008

Already, faith has played a historic role in this election cycle, affecting the presidential race in ways that were unimaginable when the first candidates declared their intent to run. And since the field has whittled down to two candidates, they've stepped up their already significant focus on outreach to religious voters. This year, more groups than ever seem to be in play, and several new polls paint a complex picture of religion in politics.

Newsweek's latest poll includes several findings of note: McCain leads Obama among both white evangelicals and white Catholics by significant margins. And, a majority of Americans think we live in a Christian nation, like it when leaders express their faith in God, and think religion has the right amount or not enough influence in politics.

While it's heartening that, as Pew reports, religion has been "a relatively prominent topic" in election coverage so far, it has erred toward the superficial, and findings from both Pew and Newsweek expose serious gaps in reporting.

Other noteworthy findings are below the fold. And be on the lookout for FPL's forthcoming comprehensive database of faith and politics polls!

The Convention for the Common Good

July 03, 2008

In the U.S., we enjoy a heritage of robust political discussion. Yet, all too often, debates over issues and policies ignore the people whose voices most need to be heard: the poor, the immigrant, the marginalized.

Fortunately, people of faith are seizing a historic opportunity to affect change in this election year. The Convention for the Common Good, taking place in Philadelphia July 11-13, will bring Catholic organizations and social justice activists together to connect on a mutual goal: changing the national conversation to include a substantive discussion of government for the common good.

To keep the common good at the forefront of political life entails broadening agendas beyond wedge issues with limited reach. To this end, the Convention has stated their desire to focus on "the pressing social justice issues of the day" including "health care, poverty, economic justice, immigration, global warming and promoting a culture of life."

June Is Torture Awareness Month

June 25, 2008

And the faith community is taking action.

Torture, in any form, completely rejects the idea that people inherently possess value and dignity. It is a direct denial that we were made for community, that certain rights are common to us all.

Torture is always a newsmaker but, lately, an extraordinary number of examples have filled our newspapers and flashed across our TV screens. In Africa alone, we've seen the persecution of political opponents in Zimbabwe, brutality against youth in Kenya and the rape of women in Darfur.

Closer to home, a recent report articulated the consequences of U.S. abuse against prisoners in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay. The details of the report were graphic enough to make Americans wonder how these things could happen on their country's watch.

Thankfully, we're waking up to the horrors of torture. Voices are growing louder in a cry for justice and accountability. People of faith are leading the way.

Introducing: We Believe Colorado

June 12, 2008

In Denver June 12, trailblazers from Muslim, Jewish, Christian and other organizations took another important step in ensuring that voices from diverse traditions find room at the table of public discourse. We Believe Colorado assembled for a historic night of worship, inspiration and action at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church.

We Believe Colorado was born from Colorado faith leaders’ desire to shift the focus of the values debate and spotlight issues of justice and the common good. The group began to walk out its vision in October 2007, meeting to consider how the discussion in Colorado might be rescued from divisive voices that misrepresent which spiritual and social issues are of true priority.

Aid for Myanmar

May 08, 2008

Cyclone Nargis has devastated Myanmar leaving over 22,000 dead and another 41,000 missing. Some predict the death toll could rise to over 100,000.

A number of relief agencies have already mobilized in response to the humanitarian crisis. Faith-based groups, in particular, have a long history of being able to deliver compassionate and efficient relief.

Myanmar's isolated and oppressive military government has been obstructing relief from international sorces. Slowly, they are beginning to open up, but sending aid through the government remains a challenge.

In response, Avaaz.org is raising money to be distributed directly to Buddhist monasteries in the country, which have been lifelines for many of those hit hardest by the cyclone.

Read on for more faith-based efforts to relieve the suffering of the people of Myanmar.

VALUES DEBATE TRANSFORMED: COMPASSION FORUM BRIDGES IDEOLOGICAL AND RELIGIOUS DIVIDES

April 14, 2008

*Read responses to the candidates’ answers from religious leaders who asked questions here.*

The reviews are in and mainstream, conservative and progressive sources agree: The Compassion Forum, broadcast live internationally on CNN, signaled a dramatic shift in the national conversation about religion and politics.

“Last night, the faith community made a profound statement about our values,” said Katie Barge, Director of Communications for Faith in Public Life, the organizer and co-sponsor of The Compassion Forum. “We simply cannot be pigeonholed into categories of left and right. Faith transcends ideological and religious divides. A new conversation about religion and politics has begun and it’s driven by compassion issues.”

Religious leaders from across the faith and ideological spectrum were present at the Forum to ask Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama to address poverty, global AIDS, abortion, climate change, genocide in Darfur, and torture. Their concerns reflected the new faith and values compassion agenda. CNN transcript available here.

THE REVIEWS ARE IN...

CNN to Air Live Broadcast of FPL's Presidential Compassion Forum

April 07, 2008

CNN will serve as the exclusive broadcaster of a presidential candidate forum on faith, values and other current issues at Messiah College near Harrisburg, Penn., on Sunday, April 13, at 8 p.m. (ET) CNN Election Center anchor Campbell Brown and Newsweek editor and Newsweek.com election anchor Jon Meacham will moderate what is being billed as The Compassion Forum, which will take place nine days before the Pennsylvania primary.

Organized and sponsored by Faith in Public Life, the 90-minute forum will consist of wide-ranging and probing discussions of policies related to pressing moral issues that are bridging ideological divides now more than ever, including poverty, global AIDS, climate change and human rights. It will feature Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama on the same stage to talk about these topics as each candidate sits down individually with the moderators. The program will also stream live at www.CNN.com .

Senators Clinton, Obama Accept Invitation to Bipartisan Compassion Forum

March 27, 2008

Religious leaders from across the ideological spectrum are pleased to announce today that Senator Obama and Senator Clinton have both confirmed that they will participate in an unprecedented bipartisan presidential candidate forum at Messiah College near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on the evening of Sunday, April 13 – just nine days before the Pennsylvania primary. Senator McCain has thus far declined the invitation, which is still open.

Now more than ever, Americans motivated by faith are bridging ideological divides to address domestic and international poverty, global AIDS, climate change, abortion, genocide in Darfur, and human rights and torture. The Compassion Forum will provide the opportunity for candidates to discuss how their faith and moral convictions bear on their positions on these important issues.

Happy Easter from Faith in Public Life!

March 23, 2008

Latest News: Bipartisan Presidential Compassion Forum in PA Announced

New Post-Election Poll Shows Political Diversity of Ohio Evangelical Christians

Full polling memo available here.

Exit polls sponsored by the major networks, CNN, Fox, and the Associated Press, which provide the basis for election analysis, continue to ask only Republican primary voters whether they considered themselves “born-again or evangelical Christian.” Faith in Public Life, Center for American Progress Action Fund, and Sojourners conducted a post-election poll in Ohio to demonstrate that self-described evangelicals are not an ideologically monolithic voting bloc, and are more diverse in their views than the media assumes.

More than four in ten (43 percent) white evangelical Ohio primary voters participated in the Democratic primary, and 57 percent participated in the Republican primary. Post-election polling following the Missouri and Tennessee primaries on Super Tuesday showed that one-third of white evangelical voters in those states participated in Democratic contests.

Faithful America Relaunches!

February 22, 2008

Faith in Public Life is thrilled to announce we've relaunched Faithful America--an online community of tens of thousands of citizens motivated by faith to take action on the pressing moral issues of our time.

Faithful America's members come from diverse faith traditions but share a unifying commitment: to restore community and uphold the common good in America and across the globe.

New Post-Election Poll Demonstrates Political Diversity of Evangelical Christians

February 08, 2008

Polling Report here.
Press Conference Audio here.

In the 2008 election, pollsters are treating evangelicals as a monolithic voting bloc. Thus far, exit polls have only asked Republican primary voters whether they considered themselves “born-again or evangelical Christian.”

A new post-election poll in Missouri and Tennessee, commissioned by Faith in Public Life and the Center for American Progress Action Fund demonstrates the diversity of evangelical voters. Large numbers of white evangelicals participated in both parties' primaries; majorities want a broader agenda that goes beyond abortion and same-sex marriage, and white evangelicals ranked jobs and economy as the most important issue determining their votes.

A moral agenda for Bush's final year

January 25, 2008

Latest Press Release: Super-Stereotyping in Tuesday's Exits

As the Bush administration enters its twilight year, it's a natural time to assess his administration's moral legacy. A group of five Catholic and evangelical leaders discussed just that on a recent press teleconference convened by Faith In Public Life and Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good. In addition to talking about the administration's legacy as it stands today, they spoke of what Bush can do over the next year to improve his record on domestic and global poverty, global warming, Iraq, and torture. Throughout his administration -- and in many cases long before -- faith groups have been engaged in these issues.

Spotlight on the States: The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy

January 11, 2008

Latest Press Release: Evangelicals to Networks: Stop Pigeonholing Us, Fix Exit Polls

One of the most exciting developments in the faith community is the ever-broadening range of issues engaged by religious coalitions.

A cutting-edge example is the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP), which brought state leaders and faith communities together for its "Day for All People" Legislative Advocacy Event on January 15. The all-day event included seminars about the advocacy process, legislator visits, issue education, and a rally addressed by Gov. Time Kaine. The Center is mobilizing groups, through its Faithful Pledge Campaign, to fight predatory lending by regulating payday lenders, whose high-interest loans suck already struggling people into an inescapable spiral of debt.

Religion and the Primaries

January 08, 2008

Latest Press Release: Evangelicals to Networks: Stop Pigeonholing Us, Fix Exit Polls

As expected, religion is a hot topic on the trail and in the news this primary season. According to a recent study, presidential candidates' religious rhetoric is at its highest mark --- ever. As we progress from New Hampshire to South Carolina to Super Tuesday and beyond, it's not going to let up any time soon. Thus far, religious rhetoric has had moments high and low in the media and the campaigns.

Various members of the news media are getting wise to the fact that people of faith are diverse, independent and focused on a broader agenda than the old hot button issues associated with the religious right, and that this is affecting their political preferences. Check out these pieces for a balanced approach to faith and politics.

What a Year!

December 21, 2007

The movement to reclaim the American values debate has come so far in just a few years, thanks to the visionary leadership and hard work of so many of our colleagues here in Washington and all over the country.

As a go-to media resource, a bridge builder and a movement organizer, Faith in Public Life (FPL) has had the privilege to work with some of the most inspiring religious leaders working for social justice and the common good and the opportunity to help educate the media about their great work. We never thought we'd accomplish so much so quickly.

Please read on for some of our personal highlights of the year and click here to check out our top news stories of 2007.

Continue Reading...

Prayer or Plastic

December 17, 2007

In December three major world religions celebrate holidays commemorating hope for the poor and oppressed and emphasizing family and community.

You'd hardly know it, however, due to the overwhelming commercialization of winter holidays, Christmas in particular.

Contrary to what conservative "culture warriors" have alleged, Christmas is not being pushed out of the public square; rather, it has been co-opted by the marketplace.

Recently, several religious leaders have banded together to stop the "war on Christmas," but this year, the "enemy" isn't "secularists" protecting the boundary between church and state, but a consumerists ideology which identifies store-front displays and big-box store employee greetings with the true spirit of the holiday.

Read on for more on what these religious leaders are doing to bring the seasonal focus back to its true origins and suggestions for holiday giving.

Global Warming: A Catastrophe We Can Prevent

December 13, 2007

***Latest Press Release: National Religious, Military, and Political Leaders Appear in Full-Page Des Moines Register Ad Opposing Torture***

A UN Climate Change Report released November 17 said global warming is “unequivocal.” Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described climate change as the “defining challenge of our age.” In an emblematic coincidence, southern Bangladesh was flooded at the same time by a powerful cyclone that killed thousands of people -- a type of disaster that will increase in frequency and intensity if our leaders fail to act.

Faith groups such as World Vision, are leading relief efforts in Bangladesh, and religious leaders are key figures in the larger effort to halt global warming before it wreaks catastrophic damage across the globe. Their prominence in the effort to stop global warming was reflected in October, when Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon spoke about the issue at the National Association of Evangelicals' Global Leaders Dinner, to which he was invited by Richard Cizik.

Out of the Gutter: People of Faith for Clean Politics

November 06, 2007

Election Day 2008 may still be a year away, but campaign season is already upon us. As the elections approaches, people of faith are calling on politicians and political parties to reject the "gutter politics" of innuendo, deception and character attacks and stick to the real issues affecting their constituents. Already, faith leaders are organizing to make their voices heard on this issue.

Drawing on the call to "speak truth in the public square," the diverse faith leadership of We Believe Ohio is declaring the state a "Political Sleaze-Free Zone" and circulating a petition challenging all parties and candidates to campaign with integrity rather than cynicism, for the common good rather than polarization. Their effort officially launched on November 8, but they had already collected almost 1,000 signatures to their petition (Ohioans can sign up here) and gained some positive media attention.

National groups are weighing in as well; continue reading for more on the "Catholic Call to Observe Civility in Public Debate"

Our prayers are with those impacted by the California wildfires.

October 10, 2007

Faith In Public Life and Third Way launch groundbreaking paper

On Wednesday morning Faith In Public Life and Third Way introduced "Come Let Us Reason Together," a groundbreaking new paper that for the first time charts a path forward to unite progressives and Evangelicals from across the ideological spectrum on the most polarizing cultural issues of the day: abortion, gay and lesbian issues, the treatment of human embryos, and the role of religion in the public square. (Read statements of support for the paper from across the ideological spectrum.)

The paper, which was the subject of E.J. Dionne's Tuesday Washington Post column, includes an original analysis of the most up-to-date polling on Evangelicals and a corresponding report on how progressives and Evangelicals can bridge the cultural divide. Most importantly, it lays out a common frame through which to address polarizing issues, not just split-the-difference compromise for its own sake.

Spiritual Override: The Campaign for Children's Health

October 03, 2007

Wednesday morning, President Bush vetoed the bill reauthorizing the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) despite its broad bipartisan support in Congress and the full-throated endorsement from key faith leaders.

This led many in the faith community asking: What ever happened to compassionate conservatism?

Iraq: Hope for the People?

September 14, 2007

The "Iraq debate" in America largely focuses on the role of U.S. armed forces: how many U.S. troops will we keep fighting there and for how long?

While the question of troop withdrawal is extremely important, it frames the issue of Iraq in a purely military context. Many activists, especially in the religious community, have voiced concerns about this framework. Not because they oppose withdrawing U.S. military forces (many support such a move), but because they know that "peace" means more than just an absence of U.S. troops. True peace in Iraq goes beyond the military question and areas of political reconciliation and economic development.

Intern with Faith in Public Life!

August 29, 2007

Want to work for an organization that builds bridges among leading faith organizations, policy makers, and activists? Looking for real responsibility in an internship that will give you the chance to develop substantive projects? Check out FPL's Internship Page for more details on our Fall Internship availabilities.

The New Fall Line-up: Congress Returns with a Packed Agenda

As children across the country say goodbye to summer camp and pool parties and begin another year of school, Members of Congress say goodbye to state fairs and townhall meetings and return to Washington to finish their legislative session.

Fall can be a time of intense pressure for legislators as pet projects and key policy concerns compete for space in the legislative calendar with "keep the lights on" budget measures that must be passed before the end of the session.

People of faith are working hard to make sure some real values priorities don't get lost in the mix. Key tests on issues like Iraq, torture, children's health and the Farm Bill are due to come up in the fall, and religious leaders will be doing all they can to make sure Congress passes this common good agenda.

Intern with Faith in Public Life

August 16, 2007

Want to work for an organization that builds bridges among leading faith organizations, policy makers, and activists? Looking for real responsibility in an internship that will give you the chance to develop substantive projects? Check out FPL's Internship Page for more details on our Fall Internship availabilities.

Religious Community Mobilizes Against Torture

August is often written off by political insiders as a "dead" month; Congress is out of town and the stifling heat and humidity seem to drain the energy out of even the most dedicated advocates.

For the ever-expanding coalition of people of faith opposing torture, August is anything but dull. Religious groups such as the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) are at the center of a growing movement dedicated to ending U.S. sponsored torture, and they are currently preparing for a key legislative test: the Department of Defense authorization bill, set to come up for debate when Congress returns in September.

Intern with Faith in Public Life

August 06, 2007

Want to work for an organization that builds bridges among leading faith organizations, policy makers, and activists? Looking for real responsibility in an internship that will give you the chance to develop substantive projects? Check out FPL's Internship Page for more details on our Fall Internship availabilities.

Immigration Reform: the Return of 'Enforcement Only'

In the wake of the Senate's failure to pass comprehensive immigration reform, federal legislators are falling back on immoral and impractical attempts to fix our broken system.

Most disturbing for advocates of comprehensive immigration reform is a new bill introduced by Senators McCain (R-AZ), Graham (R-SC), Kyl (R-TX) and Sessions (R-AL). The "enforcement only" proposal institutes unjust and cumbersome enforcement measures while doing nothing to address the 12 million immigrants living in the shadows of our nation who continue in limbo, living in fear of deportation and separation from family.

Please pray for those affected by the Minnesota bridge collapse.

July 30, 2007

Intern at Faith in Public Life
Want to work for an organization that builds bridges among leading faith organizations, policy makers, and activists? Looking for real responsibility in an internship that will give you the chance to develop substantive projects? Check out FPL's Internship Page for details on our Fall Internship availabilities.

Consensus of Compassion: Faith Community Calls for Expansion of Children's Health Care
**THE LATEST: Senate passes children's health bill, 68-31**
Faith groups are playing a critical role in pushing America's uninsured and poorly insured children to the forefront of the national agenda, mobilizing people across the country to lobby Congress and the White House to insure all children. Their efforts are crucial to the health of millions of uninsured kids: President Bush has threatened to veto the expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which will be debated in Congress this week.

Intern with Faith in Public Life

July 25, 2007

Want to work for an organization that builds bridges among leading faith organizations, policy makers, and activists? Looking for real responsibility in an internship that will give you the chance to develop substantive projects? Check out FPL's Internship Page for more details on our Fall Internship availabilities.

Cultivating Justice: Faith and the Farm Bill
LATEST PRESS RELEASE: Religious Leaders to Congress: Vote for Real Farm Bill Reform

Every major religious tradition has something to say about food. From commands to feed the poor to strict dietary codes, food and faith have always been closely intertwined. It's not surprising then, that a coalition of faith groups have taken on the Farm Bill.

It's hard to name a more comprehensive piece of legislation. Every five years, Congress reauthorizes the Farm Bill, which touches almost every aspect of daily life and public policy; crops we eat, ethanol for automobiles, food stamps, domestic land conservation, international trade and extreme poverty in developing countries are all affected.

With such a broad scope, the Farm Bill has great potential to be a positive tool for combating poverty and promoting conservation in the U.S. and abroad. As the Farm Bill comes to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives this week, faith leaders are stepping up their campaign for real Farm Bill reform that promotes the common good, rather than the narrow interests of agribusiness.

Religious Leaders Heat Up Summer Debate on Torture

July 09, 2007

During Independence Day celebrations across the nation, citizens of the United States were called to remember and celebrate the values that founded American democracy.

This week, people of faith will challenge Congress and the American people to restore those values in our policies pertaining to the rights and treatment of U.S. detainees. As the Senate takes up key defense legislation, religious leaders will continue their campaign to restore habeas corpus and end torture -- without exceptions.

The National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) kicked off their summer advocacy push with rally and lobby day in D.C. on June 26, joining with other groups like Amnesty International, the ACLU, and the Leadership Council on Civil Rights.

Mapping Faith Database Launched!

June 21, 2007

Read the Mapping Faith Report here!

Listen to the Launch Press Teleconference here!

Amidst a political season riddled with religious references and after a year of intensive research, Faith in Public Life has now launched Mapping Faith -- a new online database documenting a nationwide resurgence in progressive faith organizing. This Google Maps-powered database locates 3,000 groups organizing around more than a dozen causes, including poverty, the environment, human rights and peace, race, and immigration.

A report accompanying the Mapping Faith database, finds:

• A diverse faith community: 631 Interfaith, 554 Catholic, 499 Mainline Protestant, 263 Jewish and 100 Evangelical groups organizing around progressive causes.
• No red state-blue state divide: 1573 groups in red states; 1331 in blue.
• A broad values agenda: 46% of groups nationwide prioritize poverty; 40% peace and human rights; 20% health care/AIDS; and 10% environment.

Testify! Religious leaders Speak out on Global Warming

June 06, 2007

The religious community has embraced addressing climate change as a core issue of social justice and the common good. Thursday, June 7, religous leaders representing a broad faith spectrum, (Jewish, Catholic, Mainline Protestant and Evangelical) demonstrated their commitment to combating the climate crisis by testifying before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Capitol Hill Hearings are usually the domain of legislators and policy wonks, but Thursday, faith leaders took the stage and brought with them a spirit of prophetic conviction.

Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism (RAC), welcomed the opportunity to speak to Congress. "At last, our Senate is looking at the urgent need to prevent global warming from a perspective of faith and values," he said. "Global warming is not just a scientific or political issue – it is a moral issue."

Read on for more inspiring testimony from these faith leaders.

The New Conventional Wisdom on Evangelical Christians

May 30, 2007

**latest press release: Leaders Call for Balanced Religious Debate**

Evangelical Christians are increasingly active on a broad range of social issues including climate change, global AIDS, Darfur, and immigration. However, they have often been regarded in the press as a monolithic group synonymous with the religious right.

News coverage following the passing of Rev. Jerry Falwell has signaled a change. Presented with an opportunity to reflect not only on Rev. Falwell but on the movement he began, reporters have turned out story after story on new evangelical leaders and the priority they place on a whole spectrum of compassion issues.

Immigration: People of Faith Make a Splash in the Debate

May 15, 2007

Immigration continues to be a dominate issue in Washington. Both the House and the Senate have crafted comprehensive reform bills, but key differences remain between the two chambers' proposals and several difficult negotiating sessions and tough votes remain before a final package gets sent to the President's desk.

While every conceivable interest group seems to have taken a stand on immigration, the advocacy of faith groups like the The New Sanctuary Movement and Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform, was the big story last week and continues to be a key force in moving just legislation forward.

Read on to learn how faith leaders are not only calling for a just and compassionate response to the immigration crisis, but they’re taking on Lou Dobbs and his skewed interpretation of the separation of church and state in the process.

Immigration: Working for Justice, Showing Compassion

May 11, 2007

It’s hard to deny our nation’s immigration system is broken.

This brokenness is manifest in many ways, but is particularly poignant in the human suffering of undocumented immigrants who struggle with separation from family, backbreaking work for slave wages, and lives in the shadows of society.

In the face of this suffering, people of faith have responded with compassionate actions and calls for justice.

Recently, two new campaigns have launched in response to our nation’s broken immigration system. The New Sanctuary Movement organizes congregations of all faiths to provide shelter and material support for individuals facing deportation. Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform, a coalition of Christian leaders and groups, is calling for significant changes to our immigration laws to address the systemic injustices.

National Day of Prayer: Reflecting Diversity, Urging Social Action

May 03, 2007

The National Day of Prayer, an annual event on the first Thursday of May, was intended as a day of unity for Americans of diverse faiths. In contrast to that history, today the National Day of Prayer is sometimes confused as an exclusive event for conservative Christians. Read about the interfaith community’s response to the exclusion of Mormons and other faiths here.

Faith leaders around the country are providing visible reminders of the original intent of this day. Read on to see how the faith community is celebrating the National Day of Prayer with social action in Ohio and diverse partnerships in Texas, Utah and Michigan.

Today Is the 56th Annual National Day of Prayer!

April 26, 2007

Faith Community Rallies for Darfur

After four years of genocide, the Sudanese region of Darfur is devastated. Hundreds of thousands have died and millions have been displaced since the conflict began. World leaders have issued numerous calls for a halt to the genocide, but have failed to intervene successfully.

Thankfully, there is a growing movement dedicated to ending the suffering in Sudan and preventing genocide everywhere. Our Faith in Public Life issue resource page on Darfur has background materials and advocacy tools from a variety of faith groups taking action on this issue.

This week, April 23-29, presents an additional opportunity for action on Darfur. “Global Days for Darfur”
has been organized by the Save Darfur Coalition to call attention to the genocide in Darfur and urge political leaders to intervene to stop the violence.

Our Prayers Are with Virginia Tech Families, Entire Community

April 19, 2007

Bridging Divides to Protect the Planet

Since 1970, the United States has celebrated Earth Day each April. Traditionally a day of advocacy and political action to protect our shared global environment, more and more, people of faith are leading the way to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Care for the environment is quickly becoming a bridge issue, rather than a wedge issue, within the faith community. As Dr. Eric Chivian, a Harvard scientist who has pioneered environmental partnerships with the evangelical community, said in a press release announcing the collaboration, “There is no such thing as a Republican or Democrat, a liberal or conservative, a religious or secular environment. We all breathe the same air and drink the same water.” Amen to that.

“Creation Care” brings together diverse allies.

Our Prayers Are with Virginia Tech Families, Entire Community

April 16, 2007

Religion in Play on the Campaign Trail

Already, religion has factored heavily into news coverage of both Republican and Democratic campaigns. Stories have touched on the place of Mormonism in American politics, the nature of Black Christian theology, the diverse priorities of white evangelicals and the growth of the Hispanic evangelical community. As a helpful resource featuring polls and candidate faith profiles, the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life recently launched a new web resource, Religion and Politics ’08, devoted to election coverage.

To help sort through all of this campaign coverage, Faith in Public Life has compiled this Must Read list on dominant themes in coverage of religion in the presidential campaign to date:

Hillary Clinton
"Hillary Clinton: I Believe in the Atoning Death of Jesus," Christian Broadcasting Network, March 9, 2007.
"Hillary’s Religious Roots," Newsweek, February 5, 2007.

John Edwards
"My Faith Came Roaring Back," Beliefnet, March 22, 2007.
"Edwards Blogger Flap Discomforts Religious Left," Politico.com, February 10, 2007.

Rudy Giuliani
“Evangelical leader says Giuliani's divorce a problem,” Associated Press, March 7, 2007.
"Giuliani Woos Religious Republicans, Stressing 'Authenticity,'" Bloomberg News, March 1, 2007.

John McCain
"More evangelicals embracing McCain immigration stance, McClatchy News," April 3, 2007.
“McCain's Courtship of Social Conservatives,” Religion News Service, January 30, 2007.

Barack Obama
“Obama’s Church Enters Campaign Spotlight,” Associated Press, March 21, 2007.
"Evangelical pastor, Obama join forces to battle AIDS", Los Angeles Times, November 30, 2006.

Mitt Romney
“The Presidency’s Mormon Moment,” New York Times, April 9, 2007.
"Mormon Base a Mixed Blessing for Romney," Washington Post, April 4, 2007.

Moral Leadership for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

March 30, 2007

This week in Washington, conservative evangelical Christian leaders issued an Evangelical Call to Action on Comprehensive Immigration Reform -- an issue that is bridging ideological divides in the faith community because of shared values generated by religious faith.

Faith in Public Life organized this unique press conference--video here-- featuring Rev. Sam Rodriguez, President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference and Dr. Richard Land, President of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission to highlight their moral call for reform that reflects the values of family, compassion and faith.

Their call was amplified by the presence of bi-partisan leaders in Congress: Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Lindsay Graham (R-SC), Ken Salazar (D-CO) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Representatives Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ).

Thousands Converge on Washington, DC for Christian Peace Witness for Iraq

March 19, 2007

Braving the sleet and snow, more than 3,000 people from 48 states gathered for worship at the Washington National Cathedral and processed through our nation's capital by candlelight to surround the White House Friday night to call for an end to the war in Iraq.

Thousands participated in a vigil at LaFayette Park across from the White House following the service and 222 were arrested in a nact of civil disobedience, praying in front of the White House gates.

1,000 Christians Gather to Tackle Child Poverty at Annual 'Ecumenical Advocacy Days'

March 05, 2007

More than 1,000 international human rights advocates and faith leaders will convene March 9-12, 2007, for the fifth annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice Conference. This year’s conference, themed “And How Are the Children,” will include workshops, advocacy trainings and a day of lobbying lawmakers on Capitol Hill to press for greater U.S. support for the world’s most vulnerable young people.

The only event of its kind held in the U.S. that gathers national and international faith and grassroots activists, Ecumenical Advocacy Days is representative of the broader movement of people of faith who believe that poverty is a pressing moral issue that must be addressed as a top priority on the U.S. agenda.

Budgets are [Still] Moral Documents

February 13, 2007

Our budgets are moral documents, reflecting our deepest priorities as a nation. This simple and powerful idea, propelled by the faith community, has permeated our nation’s public debates in recent years. In 2005, in the face of deep budget cuts targeting programs that support our most vulnerable fellow-citizens, people of faith took to the streets and were eventually jailed for peaceful civil disobedience. This rally, with the leadership of Rev. Jim Wallis, was the public peak of months of activism from the faith community.

Living History in the African-American Church

February 02, 2007

February 1 marks the start of Black History Month. On television, in schools, and in events around the country, we will remember the historical legacies of African-American leaders who have labored for justice and equality. While we call to mind these great witnesses from our history, it is also a fitting time to spotlight the current history being made by African-American leaders from the faith community.

Faith Leaders Challenge President Bush to Address Moral Concerns in State of the Union

January 22, 2007

As news reports are abuzz with speculation about the State of the Union address -- what agenda items will make the cut and what tone President Bush will strike -- Christian leaders are challenging the President to address the most pressing moral concerns of our time: bringing our troops home from Iraq, eradicating poverty, abolishing torture without exception, creation care and comprehensive immigration reform.

Faith Voices Speak Out Against Iraq Escalation

January 16, 2007

In the days before the Iraq war, people of faith across the country spoke out against invasion and on behalf of multilateralism and diplomacy. Since America toppled Saddam’s regime, faith leaders have called for an end to U.S. policies permitting torture and inhumane treatment and worked to alleviate the suffering of Iraqi civilians through improved reconstruction and humanitarian aid. Now, in the aftermath of President Bush’s decision to escalate the war rather than adopt a fundamental change in policy, those same faith leaders are chastising the President for his failure to change course and adopt policies that can deliver the security and peace that the Iraqi and American people want.

New Congress, New Moment of Opportunity

January 04, 2007

The arrival of a new set of Congressional representatives presents a moment of opportunity for the common good faith movement.

Many successful candidates from both parties talked convincingly about their personal faith and values in the 2006 campaign season. Now that they have taken their elected seats, we in the faith community must continue to make out voices heard to ensure that campaign trail talk becomes legislative action.

Already, faith leaders are gearing up their advocacy efforts for this new legislative session.

Top 10 Religion and Politics Stories of 2006

January 03, 2007

Blessings for the New Year!
..A look back at some of the best media coverage of religion and politics in 2006:

Evangelicals Branch Out Politically
Religious Leaders to Continue Pressure on Sudan
Religious Liberals Gain New Visibility: A Different List Of Moral Issues
Religious Leaders Urge U.S. to Ban Torture
Liberal, moderate faith groups team to counter religious right
To raise New Orleans, lift churches, pastors urge
New sermon from the evangelical pulpit: global warming
Faithful voted on values
Morality of the Minimum

Faith in Public Life Thanks You for a Great First Year! Here's a Look at Our Successes So Far....

Since our launch in June 2006, Faith in Public Life’s (FPL) organizing and communications efforts have built movement infrastructure among faith leaders, organizations and coalitions working for justice and the common good and amplified moderate and progressive religious voices in the media. FPL’s founding by national faith leaders and high level strategic consulting services have granted it the allies and expertise to succeed. Successes this year include:

Intern at Faith in Public Life

December 08, 2006

Are you a young adult with a passion for faith, justice, and the common good? Want to work for an organization that builds bridges among leading faith organizations, policy makers, and activists? Looking for real responsibility in an internship that will give you the chance to develop substantive projects? Check out FPL's Internship Page for more details on our Spring Internship availabilities.

Faith Community Commends Iraq Study Group Report

The Iraq Study Group released their long awaited report on December 6, calling for a dramatic shift in strategy in Iraq which would include a new diplomatic effort involving Syria and Lebanon and a withdrawal of nearly all U.S. troops. A clear condemnation of the “stay the course” strategy that has dominated thus far, the report offers 79 recommendations, many of which resonate with the efforts of the faith community over the past three years to change the course of the war.

Intern at Faith in Public Life

November 29, 2006

Are you a young adult with a passion for faith, justice, and the common good? Want to work for an organization that builds bridges among leading faith organizations, policy makers, and activists? Looking for real responsibility in an internship that will give you the chance to develop substantive projects? Check out FPL's Internship Page for more details on our Spring Internship availabilities.

Remember World AIDS Day

On Friday December 1st, religious and secular voices around the world will join together to mark the 18th annual World AIDS Day with thousands of demonstrations, services and vigils. The tradition began in 1988 when the World Health Organization declared the first World AIDS Day in an effort to raise international awareness about the new and growing epidemic. Today, responding to AIDS is one of the many issues that is forging exciting—and often unexpected—new alliances between diverse faith communities and secular human relief organizations.

Intern at Faith in Public Life

November 21, 2006

Are you a young adult with a passion for faith, justice, and the common good? Want to work for an organization that builds bridges among leading faith organizations, policy makers, and activists? Looking for real responsibility in an internship that will give you the chance to develop substantive projects? Check out FPL's Internship Page for more details on our Spring Internship availabilities.

A Time to Give Thanks

As Americans pause this week to give thanks for the many blessings in their lives, we here at Faith in Public Life are also taking a moment to reflect on some of the many things that we are thankful for.

We are thankful for the thousands of faith leaders and religious organizations across the country working for justice and the common good.

We are thankful for the religious voters who broadened the definition of the “values voter” by voting their values on issues like raising the minimum wage and ending the war in Iraq.

We are thankful for the voting guides emphasizing common good issues produced and distributed by Sojourners and Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good.

We are thankful for the guidance from the Interfaith Alliance to ensure that the faith groups are educated about the legality of speaking out during election campaigns.

We are thankful for We Believe Ohio and their leadership in taking back the values debate in Ohio.

Values Voters Made Their Voices Heard

November 13, 2006

Last week, Americans voted and made their real values heard. After months of building frustration over the war in Iraq, corrupt government, and growing economic inequality, voters delivered a resounding verdict in favor of justice and the common good at the polls. Some tried to replay the divisive wedge-issue politics of 2004, but common good issues of government accountability, fair economic opportunity, and responsible use of military force carried the day. Congratulations for shifting the values debate in America!

Click here for the 2006 Zogby Exit Poll Memo showing how the shift in the religious vote was driven by kitchen table moral issues.

From the grassroots in states like Pennsylvania and Ohio to national campaigns for higher wages, just global policies, integrity in government, creation care, and more, faith leaders can be proud of having played a leading role in reclaiming America's values debate. Americans rallied around the common good because they want a government that takes responsibility for providing opportunity to all of its citizens, not just to working to protect the interests of the wealthiest few.

Now, faith leaders will build on this success by holding newly elected officials accountible for promises made while pursuing office. Just settlement in Iraq, raising the minimum wage, comprehensive lobbying reform, action to end genocide in Darfur, research to reduce oil dependency and expansion of access to health care should all be on the agenda of our next Congress. Faith leaders will be there to work with legislators as we continue to take on the most pressing moral issues of our day.

DEBUNK the 2006 “Values Voter” Myth: Make your Mark at the Polls

November 07, 2006

The Religious Right is working overtime in the media to try to explain away the shift among religious voters* away from the strict partisan loyalty that they dictate. “Values voter” support for the GOP has waned, they claim, because of the Mark Foley scandal and Administration disinterest in the “values” agenda – abortion and gay marriage. In fact, polls show that support for the GOP among religious voters, including white evangelicals, dropped significantly before the Foley scandal, and the most urgent moral issues voters name include the Iraq War, integrity in government, and poverty – not abortion and gay marriage**.

* see poll numbers inside!

Make Your Voice Heard on the Moral Issues of Our Time

November 06, 2006

As the countdown to the 2006 mid-term elections approaches, faith communities working for justice and the common good continue ramping up efforts to reach voters across America. Faith groups nationwide are organizing around issues that speak to the common good by distributing voter guides; leading voter registration drives; spearheading Get-Out-the-Vote initiatives; and organizing mobilization rallies.

Here at Faith in Public Life, we organized a tele-press conference with Rev. Jim Wallis and Rabbi David Saperstein to address the real priorities of values voters across America – a broader, deeper moral agenda that advances the common good – and to show how your efforts continue to advance the values agenda embraced by faithful Americans.

Combating Global Warming: Uniting People of Faith for the Common Good

October 19, 2006

New and unexpected alliances between diverse religious leaders who share a moral commitment to advocate for the environment illustrate the new energy of faith communities working for the common good. Combating global warming has bridged gaps between Christian evangelicals, Jews, Mainline Protestants, Muslims Catholics and others, and caused Bill Moyers to title a recent special, “Is God Green?”

FPL Executive Director's New Book Gives Insider's Account of the Global Religious Right

October 10, 2006

Faith in Public Life Executive Director Rev. Jennifer S. Butler, former human rights advocate at the United Nations, launches her new book this week, Born Again: The Christian Right Globalized. This compelling narrative reveals how today’s most powerful Christian Right organizations are building international, interfaith coalitions and shaping policy in every corner of the world. Rev. Butler provides the first insider’s account of the strategies and effectiveness of Christian Right lobbying the United Nations, and their efforts to build a global movement.

Rev. Butler’s research for this book inspired her to become Executive Director of Faith in Public Life, where she urges faith leaders for justice and the common good to more effectively engage Americans on common ground values issues.

BLOG AUDIO FEATURE: Faith Leaders Respond to Foley Scandal

October 10, 2006

VOTE for Faith, Justice, the Common Good

As the 2006 elections approach, faith communities working for justice and the common good are focusing their efforts on reaching voters across America -- without engaging in the partisan political games of the Religious Right.

To educate Americans about the intersection of faith and politics, a number of groups have released voter guides. Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good will circulate over a million copies of its Voting for the Common Good guide. Sojourners, in conjunction with the recently launched Red Letter Christians group, has released a Voting God’s Politics guide. Redeem the Vote, an evangelical group that rejects the partisan, wedge-issue politics of the Religious Right, will release hundreds of thousands of its guides in Alabama that focus on ‘the common good that can unite all Americans.’

TAKE ACTION: Military Tribunals Compromise Violates Our Values

September 25, 2006

The compromise reached between Senators and the White House on interrogations and trials of military detainees would not end the immoral policy of torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment as part of U.S. policy. Read more here, here here, here, here, and here.

The National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT), opposes the terms of the agreement on behalf of a broad spectrum of people of faith. NRCAT points our that the agreement does not clearly prohibit interrogation techniques that are cruel and inhumane; it allows the continued use of secret prisons; it exonerates the perpetrators of torture; and it retroactively eliminates habeas corpus for enemy combatants held in detention centers like Guantanamo, as well as stripping federal court review of any further detention suits.

This legislation will likely come to the Senate floor for a vote this week. Let your Members of Congress and people in your communities know that this legislation violates our country's most basic moral values. Urge Your Senator to Stop Torture here.

Find links to the agreement's language, talking points about the agreement, and other suggested action messages here.

Debunking the 'Values Voters' Myth!

September 20, 2006

CHECK OUT REV. DR. BOB EDGAR ON THE FPL BLOG! He's blogging with Pastor Dan of Daily Kos' Street Prophets about his new book Middle Church and Reclaiming the Moral Values of the Faithful Majority from the Religious Right!

FPL DEBUNKING THE MYTH: This weekend, as leaders of the Religious Right rally with Republican politicians in Washington, DC at the “Values Voter Summit 2006,�? Faith in Public Life and Sojourners offer religious leaders from the Voicing Faith Media Bureau and the Red Letter Christians to debunk the divisive myth that ‘values voters’ share monolithic views about moral priorities.

The 'Values Gap': Challenging the Right's Values Voters Myth

September 13, 2006

With the midterm election less than two months away, people of faith around the country are coming together to make their values heard in public debates. These values voters prioritize poverty, the war on terrorism, global warming, genocide, discrimination and access to health insurance as the great moral issues of our time. By advocating for government dedicated to the common good, they offer a powerful contrast to those who would use religion to divide Americans.

On September 22nd, leaders of the Religious Right will rally with Republican politicians in Washington for the “Values Voters Summit 2006.�? This partisan event, led by the Family Research Council and Focus on the Family, will attempt to perpetuate the divisive myth that the Religious Right and faithful Americans share monolithic views about values.

9/11 Unity Walk Bridges Divides to Build Understanding

September 05, 2006

This week, America observed the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. That day reshaped our world, and left a lingering challenge to people of faith around the globe: How do diverse people of faith demonstrate our unity in the face of terrorists who would sow division and hatred?

Five years after that terrible day, on September 10, 2006, an unprecedented interfaith collection of leaders gathered in Washington, DC and New York City to pay tribute to the victims and bear witness to the interfaith desire for peace and understanding. The 9/11 Unity Walk began last year, and was so successful and powerful that it expanded when it happened yesterday.

CrossWalk America Completes 2,500-Mile Trek for Christian Compassion

August 30, 2006

Out of the recent increased media attention on the reemergence of the so-called "Religious Left," one question has repeatedly arisen: is there an actual movement of real people behind the hype? CrossWalk America embarked on a 2,500 mile walk across the country to find out if their fellow Christians are in fact seeking a compassionate, inclusive alternative to the voices that have long-dominated their faith in the public square.

The answer they found was a resounding: "YES!" But perhaps much to the media’s dismay, they also found that this movement transcends political labels of "Left," "Right," "liberal," "conservative" and "moderate" – enabling it to broadly attract people from across the spectrums of faith and ideology.

After meeting with thousands of people in twelve states over the past four-and-a-half months, CrossWalk America completes their journey this weekend in Washington, DC.

Faith in Public Life has been honored to partner with CrossWalk America by assisting them with communications strategy and media outreach throughout their trek.

Faith Community Sheds Light on Lasting Injustices on Katrina Anniversary

August 29, 2006

Today, as a nation, we observe the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s devastating landfall on the Gulf Coast. Not only were New Orleans and other communities physically devastated and their populations displaced, the flood waters exposed the enduring racial and economic inequalities of our society for all to see. Last week, this space featured some of the ongoing advocacy campaigns on behalf of hurricane victims. This week, we highlight some of the Katrina Anniversary commemorations that took place around the country this weekend and continue to take place through today. MEDIA NOTE: To arrange interviews with clergy who are leading commemorative services, contact Jessica Watson at 202.544.7921 or press@faithinpubliclife.org.

Countdown to the Katrina Anniversary: Faith Leaders Tour Gulf Coast

August 15, 2006

As the one year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches on August 29th, people of faith across the country are speaking out on behalf of victims who remain unaided and reconstruction that has barely begun. Not only were New Orleans and other communities physically devastated and their populations displaced, the flood waters exposed the enduring racial and economic inequalities of our society for all to see. FPL is proud to be working to promote the visibility of a number of these powerful initiatives that are speaking out for government accountability and the common good.

The Gamaliel Foundation African-American Leadership Commission (AALC), a body of prominent black clergy from across the country, launched a Gulf Coast church bus tour, "Drowning on Dry Land/ Connecting Covenant Visit" on August 15th.

Keep the Pressure on Your Representatives: Strengthen the Faith Voice for a Minimum Wage Increase Today!

August 07, 2006

Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, “There is nothing but a lack of social vision to prevent us from paying an adequate wage to every American (worker) whether he is a hospital worker, laundry worker, maid, or day laborer.�? A living wage reflects the most universal moral value – the Ethic of Reciprocity – do to others what you would have them do to you. It is immoral that the current minimum wage is keeping more people in poverty than it is enabling to provide for themselves and their families.

While the buying power of the minimum wage is the lowest it’s been in 50 years, U.S. Senate adjourned for August recess last week after once again failing to resolve this injustice. Legislation to increase the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 faltered amidst partisan wrangling when it was tied to tax breaks for multimillionaires. With upcoming midterm elections, each party has claimed a political victory. In the meantime, minimum wage workers continue to be left behind.

Keep up the pressure on Congress by telling them what you think about this issue while they are home for recess this month. Find out where your representatives are meeting with constituents and ask them to pledge to pass a clean minimum wage bill immediately when they return to Washington, DC in September. Attend events held by candidates running for office and ask them to make the same promise to voters.

To make up for congressional shortcomings, voters in many states are putting pressure on their state governments to raise their minimum wage standards. For example, on Tuesday, August 8, We Believe Ohio and other faith-based groups will join a statewide coalition in submitting hundreds of thousands of signatures to the Ohio Secretary of State in support of placing a minimum wage increase on the November ballot. Check out how the faith community is working to raise the minimum wage in your state and get involved to strengthen the faith voice for justice in your area today!

New Blog Feature! Faith in Public LIVE : Bloggers and Leaders Square Off

August 02, 2006

By helping to host the first Progressive Faith Blog Con last month, we got to know a world of politically astute, articulate bloggers from across the country and multiple faith traditions. Their electronic voices speaking out for the common good seemed like natural conversation partners for leaders in advocacy, journalism, and academia.

With this is mind, FPL is excited to launch Faith in Public LIVE. These exchanges pair a noted leader on faith in public life with a prominent voice from the blogging community. Read and comment throughout the week as they exchange posts on our blog. This unique forum is part of FPL’s continuing effort to strengthen the quality and visibility of bloggers for the common good.

It’s a pleasure to kick off this series with an exchange between Amy Sullivan and Thurman Hart. Sullivan is the editor of the Washington Monthly and the author of an upcoming book on faith and politics in America. Mr. Hart, better known as XPatriated Texan, is a regular contributor to numerous blogs and was the idea-man behind the recent Progressive Faith Blog Con.

They’ve spent the past two days debating the challenges and opportunities faced by public figures trying to move beyond the pro-life, pro-choice dichotomy in American politics. The debate will continue throughout the week, so get caught up to speed now!

Feel free to suggest a participant or a topic for the Faith in Public LIVE series. Email us as admin@faithinpubliclife.org

NEW Interactive Site Features: Sign Up, Add On and Join In!

July 25, 2006

In just one short month since Faith in Public Life launched this website, we have added new tools and features to strengthen your ability to stay informed and active in faith movements sharing a call to pursue justice and the common good. In our continued effort to lift up voices of faith, we have expanded the interactive features on our site to support new partnerships and the exchange of information.

Daily Faith News Reel . Sign Up to receive our daily new reel in your email inbox by noon, Monday through Friday. There’s simply no better way to stay up-to-date on the latest news on faith and politics and public life!

Faith Calendar. Add events dedicated to faith, justice, and the common good to the calendar, featuring meetings, actions, media events, conferences, rallies, book tour events, and more in communities across the country. Visit the calendar often so you don’t miss anything!

Blogging Faith. Become a part of the conversation! Our staff and guest writers regularly update our blog with posts on the intersection of faith and politics. Our interns have often reported on events here in Washington, DC, including Congressional hearings and press conferences at the National Press Club on hot issues. In the coming weeks, the blog will feature dialogues between prominent public figures and bloggers who specialize in faith and politics. Amy Sullivan, an editor of the Washington Monthly and Thurman Hart, also known to his fellow bloggers as the Xpatriated Texan, will kick off this feature next week. Invite friends and colleagues to join the conversation!

Mapping Faith. Join hundreds of faith leaders and organizations already inserted as part of our map. The map quickly has become recognized as the most comprehensive nationwide database of faith groups working for justice and the common good. Add your group or coalition today!

The Right to Vote Is a Moral Issue! Faith Leaders Collaborate in Support of the Voting Rights Act!

July 21, 2006

On Wednesday morning, July 19, Faith in Public Life submitted a letter in support of passing the Voting Rights Act without amendment from nearly 100 faith leaders from across the country to every member of the Senate Judiciary Committee -- well-timed for the committee's condsideration of the Act Wednesday afternoon. Signatories on the letter include local clergy from states that are protected by key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Arizona, Florida, Mississippi, Texas, California and Michigan.

Sen. Patrick Leahy entered the letter into the official Senate Judiciary Committee record and the committee unanimously approved the Act without amendment the same day. On Thursday, July 20, the Senate passed the Voting Rights Act without amendment 98-0! This is an affirmation of our belief in freedom and dignity for all, and a great victory for all Americans.

Progressive Faith Bloggers Meet for First-Ever Conference This Week!

July 11, 2006

Despite an enormous surge in media coverage about the impact of bloggers on public discourse, the burgeoning progressive religious blogosphere has received little attention. The tide, however, is shifting. As Sen. Barak Obama’s (D-IL) recent speech on faith clearly demonstrated – evidenced by more than 300 news articles and 2,300 blog posts focusing on Senator Obama’s remarks -- the intersection of faith and politics is a hot topic on and off the Internet. And so, the first-ever Progressive Faith Blog Conference being held this week in Montclair, NJ could not be more timely. Beginning Friday, July 14, leaders of the progressive faith blogging community will gather in person to discuss faith, politics and their role as an on-line community in the blogosphere.

Happy 4th of July from Faith in Public Life!

July 04, 2006

“…Assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind….�?

--Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

As we celebrate Independence Day, the Faith in Public Life team sends out all good wishes for another blessed year. This national holiday, July 4, calls us back to the very principals upon which our great country was founded.

Driven by discontent in the Church of England, the earliest American settlers ventured to a new land seeking tolerance, value and respect for their faith perspectives. Once settled, common unity strengthened the community through a shared call to engage in religious, moral and societal reforms. Anchored by faith and a clear call to protect and promote the common good, the vision and determination of those early settlers grew into a democracy.

Inaugural Week a Success!

June 28, 2006

Just one short week ago Faith in Public Life publicly launched to increase the visibility, effectiveness and reach of faith movements sharing a call to pursue justice and the common good. We remain energized by the outpouring of support for our vision of a country in which diverse religious voices consistently impact public policy; and those who use religion as a tool of division and exclusion do not dominate public discourse.

Faith in Public Life is already serving its purpose as a resource center. Since our Internet launch one week ago, our Website has received thousands of visits. Visitors have spent an average of almost seven minutes checking out the resources we offer each time they have accessed the site… looks like a burgeoning activist community!

Welcome to Faith in Public Life: A Resource Center for Justice and the Common Good!

June 20, 2006

In this space, we will offer a menu of resources — including communications and organizing tools — in support of the American faith community.

From the abolition of slavery to the civil rights movement, faith leaders have led many of the greatest victories for justice in the course of American history. But despite a continued commitment to justice and the common good by a myriad of faith leaders and organizations, the religious right has dominated public discourse on matters of faith, advancing a narrow and exclusive definition of what it means to be moral and faithful in America.

January 01, 2006