Rick Perry has taken us to a new low in campaign ads with his “Strong” ad. Under the guise of spirituality, Perry has taken the manipulation of religion for partisan political advantage to an incredible, almost unbelievable extreme. With a smile on his face, he trades on personal attacks and provable untruths that reveal no understanding of the first amendment to the Constitution and very little respect for the integrity of religion. 

 

His ad suggests a war on religion that simply does not exist. His statement that he is ‘not ashamed to be a Christian,’ would seem to imply that too many of our public officials are. If anything, the opposite is true. Far too many candidates in both parties trying to use their faith as a political weapon rather than a source for inspiration.  This is a race for commander-in-chief, not pastor-in-chief.  His divisive and misleading message about faith has no place in a U.S Presidential campaign. 

 

These are difficult times and we are a country facing serious challenges requiring real solutions. Prioritizing one religious perspective in favor of another does nothing to move us forward. As a fellow Christian, I want Gov. Perry to understand that he is woefully mistaken when he implies that it is his faith, rather than his policy views, that qualify him for office. Rather than fighting these supposed ‘liberal attacks’ on our religious heritage, he should focus on protecting that heritage by guarding religious freedom for everyone.

Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.