http://www.interfaithalliance.org/http://www.interfaithalliance.org/ReligiousResources/ReligiousResources.cfm?ID=4812&c=32The Interfaith Alliance, denounced an initiative from the Bush-Cheney campaign seeking to enlist campaign support in 1600 "friendly congregations" in Pennsylvania. "Whether or not this is legal, this is an astonishing abuse of religion," said the Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, President of the Interfaith Alliance. "It is the rawest form of manipulation of religion for partisan gain."
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i recieved a letter from Walter Cronkite yesterday stating,
"For years I have kept my opinions to myself. But now I must speak out.
That's because I am deeply disturbed by the dangerous and growing influence of people like Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell on our political leaders.
Especially after Robertson and Falwell both shamefully blamed America's courts and highest levels of our governemnet for the horrific September 11 attacks on our nation. They said it happened because we "insulted God." Falwell went on to blame feminists, pro-choice Americans and other groups he despices.
Like you, I understand that freedom of speech is a founding principle of our nation, and I respect people with the courage to speak their minds.
As a concerned person of faith, however,(from here on it is underlined) I have watched with increasing alarm as the Christian Coalition and other Religious Right groups manipulate religion to futher their intolerant, political agendas.
Over the years Robertson and Falwell have gained considerable influence on local school boards, in the Bush Administration and in Congress. They have shrewdly twisted the traditional healing role of religion into an intolerant political platform.
Using religion as a tool to push their personal poliotical beliefs - especially, in a time of national tragedy - not only insults people of faith and good will, it also diminishes the positive healing role religion can and should play in public life.
This is why I am speaking out today, and why I urge you to speak out, too.
It is time we challenge those who equate religious beliefs with partisan politics....."
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In short, The Interfaith Alliance offers a mainstream alternative for people of faith and good will to stand in opposition to the extremism of the Religious Right....
Thank you,
Walter Cronkite
P.S. The Religious Right's influence over America's politicians has gone too far. Please join me in offering a voice of tolerance, civility and true compassion in the political process by supporting The Interfaith Alliance's mission.
http://www.interfaithalliance.org/