McCain Should Renounce Pastors’ Reprehensible Statements

Washington, DC – The Interfaith Alliance called on Senator John McCain to reject absurd and offensive comments made by two prominent religious supporters of his candidacy.

The Huffington Post has documented a sermon Pastor John Hagee delivered in the late 1990s, which argued that “the Nazis had operated on God's behalf to chase the Jews from Europe and shepherd them to Palestine.” In addition, Brave New Films has chronicled statements by Rev. Rod Parsley claiming the United States is at war with Islam.

The Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, a practicing Baptist minister and President of the Interfaith Alliance issued the following statement:

“Clergy can and should speak out about issues of the day, but when they insert themselves into the political process, they must be prepared to have their statements from the pulpit scrutinized and their actions seriously questioned. When candidates for public office seek to profit from the endorsement of clergy who become politically involved, they, too, must be held accountable for the clergy person's words and actions.

The extremist, hate-mongering comments and views of ministers like Rev. John Hagee and Rev. Rod Parlsey should be of great concern to all Americans and of special concern to presidential candidate John McCain. Both men have enthusiastically endorsed Senator McCain for president. Now, some of the past statements of these would-be political players demand immediate, public renunciation.

Senator McCain needs to tell the American people that he refutes these absurd and offensive comments that breed hate and send the wrong signal about America to the international community. There is no place in public discourse for religious or political leaders to espouse this narrow-minded thinking and hatred.”

Interfaith Alliance Praises Same-Gender Marriage Ruling in CA

Decision Respects Boundaries Between Civil and Religious Institutions

Washington, DC – The Interfaith Alliance praised the California Supreme Court for its decision In re Marriage Cases because it respects the boundaries between the civil and religious institutions of marriage.  The Interfaith Alliance is the only organization dedicated to protecting the integrity of both religion and democracy in America.  The Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, a practicing Baptist minister and President of the Interfaith Alliance issued the following statement:

The California Supreme Court recognized that in America’s diverse religious landscape there are many theological positions on same-gender marriage, some of which support the institution and some that oppose the institution.  Today’s opinion does not force any house of worship to change its theology or traditions concerning same-gender marriage.  Those houses of worship which oppose same-gender marriage will not be forced to perform those ceremonies.

This opinion recognizes the important boundaries between the legal requirements for the civil institution of marriage and the theological requirements for the religious institution of marriage.  We believe this case strengthens religious freedom because it leaves the choice over performing same-gender marriages with each house of worship to decide for itself.  Our organization stands for faith and freedom, and this opinion reflects both values.

Interfaith Alliance Reintroduces Itself

New Identity Better Reflects American Religious Diversity

Washington, DC – The Interfaith Alliance is reintroducing itself today as the only national interfaith organization dedicated to protecting the integrity of both religion and democracy in America. The most apparent part of the new identity is the circle mosaic logo, but that is by no means the only aspect of the changes being made. In our changing political climate, the Interfaith Alliance has taken a careful look at how it represents itself in the world and has tailored its identity to more closely reflect its day-to-day work – protecting faith and freedom. The organization has sharpened its message and refined its image to better reflect its mission. To read more about the new identity visit www.interfaithalliance.org.

“Our new identity better represents the vibrant community and cultural differences that make up the mosaic of Americans’ diverse beliefs.  That mosaic is now threatened by religious and political extremists seeking to impose their own religious views on our entire country, which is the most religiously pluralistic nation in the world,” said the Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, President of the Interfaith Alliance.

The Interfaith Alliance was created in 1994 to celebrate religious freedom and to challenge the bigotry and hatred arising from religious and political extremism infiltrating American politics. Today, the Interfaith Alliance has 185,000 members across the country representing 75 faith traditions as well as those of no faith tradition. The Interfaith Alliance champions religious freedom by respecting individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism and build common ground.

“The Interfaith Alliance remains committed to its mission of tackling the very real issues at the intersection of religion and politics – passing stronger hate crimes legislation, ending government-funded religion through the ‘faith-based initiative,’ and promoting academic and scientific integrity,” said Rev. Gaddy.

Presidential Candidates Should Not Mix Religion and Politics

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 15, 2008) – Senator and Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama should stop distributing fliers expressing his religious qualifications to be president, says the Interfaith Alliance, a leading religious freedom advocacy organization.

This week, Senator Obama’s campaign began distributing fliers in Kentucky describing Senator Obama as a “Committed Christian” and telling voters how Senator Obama’s religious upbringing will affect his decisions in the White House.  Unfortunately, this is just the latest example of political candidates from both parties misusing religion to gain support in this year’s campaign.  The flier is similar to other Obama campaign publications distributed earlier this year in South Carolina.

The Interfaith Alliance is opposed to candidates exploiting their religious beliefs to gain electoral support.  The Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, a practicing Baptist minister and President of the Interfaith Alliance, issued the following statement on the use of religion in presidential politics:

“I am deeply disappointed that Senator Obama once again chose to distribute information about his religious beliefs in an attempt to score political points before a critical primary.   The candidates for president are running for Commander-in-Chief, not Pastor-in-Chief, and the Constitution clearly prohibits using religious convictions as a qualification for public office. There are so many serious issues facing this country from the war to health care to the economy. Presidential candidates need to spend more time outlining their vision for this country and less time trumpeting their religious bona fides.”