Clergy groups are taking a stand against the religious right wing

[1songbird]

Finally clergy groups are taking a stand against right wing religious groups In a New York Times article by Lynette Clemetson.

<SNIP>
In an effort to counter the influence of conservative Christian organizations, a coalition of moderate and liberal religious leaders is starting a political advocacy organization to mobilize voters in opposition to Bush administration policies. In an effort to counter the influence of conservative Christian organizations, a coalition of moderate and liberal religious leaders is starting a political advocacy organization to mobilize voters in opposition to Bush administration policies.

<SNIP>
The Rev. Albert M. Pennybacker, of Lexington, Ky., chief executive officer for the organization and the chairman of its national committee, said: "The Christian Right has been very articulate, but they have been exclusive and very judgmental of anyone who doesn't agree with them. People may want to label us the Christian Left. But what we really are about is mainstream issues and truth, and if that makes us left then that shines even more light on the need for a shift in our society."

<SNIP>
The new group's roughly 25-member committee is predominantly composed of Protestant Christians. It includes prominent figures like the Rev. William Sloane Coffin, who was a leader in the Civil Rights movement and the anti-Vietnam War movement, and the Rev. Joan Brown Campbell, former general secretary of the National Council of Churches. The founding group also includes Catholic and Jewish members, and organizers said they hoped to draw Muslim members as well.

"Clergy have to be careful not to rush in with solutions to big problems, but when they see gross injustice they have an obligation not to be silent," Mr. Coffin said. "The arrogance and self-righteousness of the present administration are very dangerous. And silence by members of the clergy, in the face of such arrogance, is tantamount to betrayal of the Gospel or the Torah or the Koran."

<SNIP>
The group's issue list includes no mention of hot-button topics like abortion and gay marriage, which have been crucial issues for conservative groups. "Our key issues are people without jobs, people who are hungry, people burying children killed in Iraq." Mr. Pennybacker said. "These are real issues that override flashy talk about sexual orientation."

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/17/politics/17CLER.html

[La_Serpiente]

1. THANK GOD!!!!!

I have had it already with all of these fundamentalits. It is about time we take back religion from these fanatics.

[annxburns]

2. I have been waiting for this ...

... for nearly forever. I will do whatever I can to help this group. Those who don't serve God, but instead USE God to serve THEMSELVES, need to be called on it.

[La_Serpiente]

3. I am very appreciative

that they are presenting an alternate viewpoint to Christianity. I have a different interpretation of my God than that of the Christian Coalition and other groups. I hope they DO suceed in their endeavors.

For example, many right-wing organizations would probably like to see homosexuals die rather than help them. Gary Bauer and others during the Reagan administration sat by idly as human beings died.

[Kahuna]

10. Ditto. They are giving Christians a bad name.

'Bout time they stood up to be counted.

[Blue_Roses]

13. wow

...those who don't serve God, but instead USE God to serve THEMSELVES...

that needs to be made into a bumper sticker!

[1songbird]

15. Agreed

[1songbird]

4. The religious left, I think I like the term.

It's about time we stood up.

[pippin]

5. Never understood how

a sector of the American population (i.e. the Christian right) could have so much clout. How many of these nut cases are there any way?

[1songbird]

7. In an article by "The Nation"

the number 19 million was used by Karl Rove.

[Jacobin]

14. A bunch. And they vote like rabbits fuck

Disgusting to watch them. They infest my state like slimey vermin.

[CWebster]

6. Now, they too,

will be accused of being "too angry".

[Starpass]

8. Is this wierd---just thinking about this same thing this weekend

I was thinking to myself Sunday that I simply cannot bring myself to go to a church anymore (mainstream church) because no one is standing up against this right wing fundamentalists crap. It has infuriated me that these fundamentalists have re-written the Bible and there is no screaming coming from mainstream religion. They have preached for years now that Jesus really didn't want people to help the poor because it just enabled the poor; and that God wants us to be greedy and have it all because that's what is meant by rewarding his people, etc. (you don't have to wait for heaven, baby, when God wants you to suck it all down here). And, of course, make sure you send them lots of money because then God will make you even richer. That is what they have been preaching. The mainstream religion I grew up with and practiced all my life (Lutheran) was always involved in community projects to clothe and feed people and councils to bring about understanding between dominations and other religions, etc. How in the hell did they ever let these scum take over the dialogue??? Sadly, too many of their members are being sucked in by the fundamentalists from the stand point of also thinking that the Christian thing to do must be to vote repuke. This voice needs to be screaming loud and clear from the pulpits over the next year!!!

[1songbird]

11. Amazing! I had the same exact thoughts as you just yesterday!

I kept thinking when will the truth be heard and why are these people being allowed to distort God's message. Without wanting to sound mystic maybe this is a sign.

[spindoctor]

9. It's about time....BUT....

...this is another case of religion interfering with politicics, even if its clergy against clergy.

[1songbird]

12. Remember that had it not been for the

influence of religion in the sixties in politics the civil rights struggle would not have flourished and thrived. Churches were the cornerston of change. Remember the leader was the REV. Dr. Martin Luther King.

[sangh0]

17. What's wrong with that?

The Constitution doesn't deny anyone the right to participate in politics, not even the religious. The Constitution only limits the powers of government. In the case of the "seperation of Church and State", the Constitution prohibits the govt from taking any actions or policies that contibute to the "establishment" of a religion. It does nothing to limit the rights of people who are religious.

[xultar]

16. AMEN, THANK GOD!!! People had started to hate religion cuz

the RW haters had taken it over. It is about time that GOD gave the strength to moderate and liberal religious leaders to stand up and take religion back from the wingnut haters.

Religion in its purist form regardless of ideology does not resemble the actions of the RW Christians, the RM (radical Muslims), RJ (radical Jews. No where in any religion does it say to KILL or HATE to get your point across.

AMEN it is about freakin time!

OK so that is
Soros - 1
Religious leaders - 1
OH Millionaire - 1
DU - 1
Moveon.org - !


Bush
wingnuts - 1

Looks like we are winning. Thank GOD regardless of who gets the nomination...there are forces out there helping us with their dough to also campaign against *. What is funny they don't even have to campaign for a candidate specifically just campaign agains * and we'll win!

[1songbird]

20. Don't forget our wonderful liberal writers

Michael Moore -1
David Corn -1
Al Frankin -1
Paul Krugman -1
Molly Ivins -1

All great writers who are helping us get the word out.

[supernova]

18. This is much needed

All I can say s "WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?!?!?!"

And where do I send a donation when I am able?

[hlthe2b]

19. I hope this is a birth of a movement....

and one that will become increasingly vocal against the hateful exploitation of religious ideals.

[Terwilliger]

21. Good luck folks!

You'll be labelled pinko commie pedophiles before you can say "George W. Bush"

[truthspeaker]

22. FINALLY

The religious right are the biggest threat to Christianity out there. Not only are they morally repugnant, their theology is intellectually bankrupt. Imagine if seminary school were taught exactly like 2nd grade Sunday school and you'll understand the divinity programs at Liberty University. I'm not a Christian myself, but I know there's more to it than the simplistic Bible-worshipping hate-speech of the Christian right. It's about time other Christians spoke up and said "Here's what our faith is really about."

[Wapsie B]

23. Is this

like the Interfaith Alliance? The IA has been around for a number of years but has received very little press.
Like Starpass stated above it's very disheartening to go to church and see no outrage against the blaspheming religious nazis hiding behind the cross. Giving our $$ to groups like Focus on the Family without a second thought.

[sangh0]

24. Here's a link to another religious group

that deserves our support

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=709647

[1songbird]

25. If anyone is interested in getting in contact

with the Clergy Leadership Network you can contact Rev. Brenda Petterson at 202-554-2121. They are not affiliated with the Interfaith Alliance. This group will be raising money for campaign ads dedicated to a democratic agenda so they could be a key asset. I would like to donate as well to them. I couldn't find a website but I intend to call and get more information.