Interfaith
When Pastor Wiley Drakes of First Southern Baptist Church in
This week on State of
The full letter reads:
August 17, 2007
The Huckabee for President Exploratory Committee, Inc.
VIA FACSIMILE
Dear Governor Huckabee:
The Interfaith Alliance (TIA) is a non-partisan, grassroots organization with 185,000 members drawn from 75 different faith traditions and 75 activist groups across the country. Members of The Interfaith Alliance understand and appreciate the power of religion to be a positive and healing force in people’s lives individually and in the nation as a whole.
This week on my national radio show, State of
Governor Huckabee, I ask you to disassociate yourself from this type of hateful and divisive rhetoric. As a political candidate on the national stage, you have a unique opportunity to positively impact civic debate. Furthermore, the importance and influence of a house of worship can not be overstated. Religion should play a role in this year’s elections, but not as not as a tool to demonize others. Political authority and religious authority should never be confused.
Again, I respectfully ask that you model civility in public discourse by disassociating yourself from the hateful and divisive rhetoric displayed by Rev. Drake. On behalf of the 185,000 members of The Interfaith Alliance, I implore you to join us in protecting the integrity of religion and the vitality of democracy.
Thank you for your time and please feel to contact me should you like to further discuss this. I can be reached at 202-238-3300.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. C.
President, The Interfaith
Pastor of Preaching and Worship,
Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit www.interfaithalliance.org.