Washington, DC – Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy released the following statement on the ‘Evangelical Manifesto’ unveiled at a press conference in Washington today:

The release of today’s ‘Evangelical Manifesto’ proves that not only do the leaders of the Religious Right not speak for all Americans, they don’t even speak for all evangelicals.

As someone raised in the evangelical tradition, I was pleased to see this ‘manifesto’ because it puts forward a broader definition of the term than we have seen over the last few decades. However, there are certainly items in the document that I take issue with, such as its narrow concept of religious diversity.

This manifesto should be read as a strong criticism of the Religious Right’s so-called leadership, who were clearly not involved in the drafting or signing of this document. I have often said that these leaders are more concerned with their own personal influence and power than advancing a constructive agenda protecting faith and freedom.

I appreciate the tone of this document, especially the call to remove religion from politics, though it does not and should not remove the right of people of faith to voice their concerns on issues of national importance. We will have to wait and see what, if any, impact this document has on the Religious Right.

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 interfaithalliance.org.