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The
Interfaith
Alliance
PRESS RELEASE * PRESS RELEASE * PRESS RELEASE
NATIONAL RELIGIOUS LEADERS ORGANIZE TO COUNTER
RADICAL RIGHT
THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE WILL TAKE ITS MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC
For Immediate Release
Contact: Pat Lewis
July 14, 1994
202-639-6370
Washington, D.C. -- National religious leaders announced
today the formation of The Interfaith Alliance, an
organization that will work to combat efforts by the radical
right to impose political litmus tests on people of faith.
"These extreme organizations claim to be the sole religious
voice in American life," said Dr. Herbert Valentine, a
Baltimore Presbyterian minister who recently served as the
head of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and who chairs The
Interfaith Alliance board of directors. "All too often, this
claim is being made against a backdrop of fear and hate. As
Americans, we all have the right to hold our own political
beliefs without our religious conviction being questioned."
"The religious community has always been an important voice
in the debate over our nation's direction," he said. "We are
committed to broadening the spectrum of religious voices now
being heard.' "
Board member Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, General Secretary of
the National Council of Churches, said that the oncoming
elections have intensified the debate and made the
Alliance's formation even more crucial.
"Right now, this debate is centered on influencing the way
people choose elected officials, and how they make choices
on other emotionally charged issues," she said. "The public
deserves to hear issues in a more open, honest and fair
manner. Everyone deserves to see the whole picture when
considering these important decisions."
The Interfaith Alliance includes Protestant, Catholic and
Jewish religious leaders from across the country who have
been growing increasingly concerned about the impact the
radical right is having on the nation, Dr. Valentine said.
The Interfaith Alliance
1511 K Street, NW 1 Suite 738 / Washington, D.C. 20005 1 202-639-6370
Page Two - The Interfaith Alliance - July 14, 1994
"As individuals, we've been speaking out for years. But
we've only reached small audiences. We have realized the
need to do much more in response to this well-organized and
well-funded effort to impose one narrow set of religious
beliefs on everyone"
He outlined the three-part strategy the Alliance has adopted
to get its message out to the public.
"We will work to make our voices heard in the national
forum; we will strive to communicate with people about the
scope of the radical right's agenda in states where it is
most active; and we will serve as a national clearinghouse
for religious, grassroots and political Americans."
The Interfaith Alliance will use community forums,
grassroots organizing, radio, television and newspaper to
get its message out, Valentine said.
The nation is going through a challenging and difficult
time, said board member Bishop Francis Murphy, Auxiliary
Catholic Bishop of Baltimore.
"The question is, will we turn to policies based on hate and
intolerance, or will we seek answers in our diversity? Will
we bend to one religious belief, or will we allow religious
liberty to continue to flourish?"
Board member Rev. A. Knighton Stanley said that the agenda
and message of the radical religious right "is completely
opposed to the vision of those of us who have fought so hard
and so long in the struggle for civil rights. We must
celebrate our diversity as we seek out answers - not retreat
into the days of hatred that my community remember all too
well."
"For those of us who call America home and yet who are not
Christian, these words are far from innocuous references to
the nation's majority religion," said board member Rabbi
Arthur Hertzberg, former president of the American Jewish
Congress. "Instead, they raise disturbing questions about
the right of people whose views may differ from their
neighbors to enjoy the same religious freedom."
-End-
The
Interfaith
Alliance
THE RADICAL RIGHT
"Radical Right" is a broad term that describes hundreds of national and local
organizations that share a common purpose of advancing an extremist agenda. Among the
best known of its leaders are Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell; and Robertson's Christian
Coalition is one of the largest and best organized of these groups.
The Christian Coalition claims to have raised $13 million in 1992, with a
membership of over 250,000 in 49 states.
The Coalition distributed 750,000 voter guides during the 1990 U.S.
Senate race between Democrat Harvey Gantt and Republican Sen. Jesse
Helms.
The Coalition claimed to distribute 30 to 40 million voter guides during the
1992 Presidential election.
At the 1992 GOP Convention, the Coalition had 20 members and eight
allies on the 107-member platform committee. It also reportedly controlled
seven state delegations at the convention, including: 42 of the 46 Iowa
delegates; three-fourths of the Oregon delegation; two-thirds of South
Carolina's delegates; 14 of 19 Alaska delegates; and one-third of the
California delegation.
The radical right has made significant inroads into state party structures --
most notably in Virginia, Ohio, Texas, Iowa, and Minnesota -- and they are
helping to nominate and elect candidates who share their views.
THE AGENDA
While radical right organizations are impressive and their resources are formidable,
it is their vision of America that is most disturbing. Using religion as both a shield and a
weapon, the Coalition and other groups are trying to fundamentally change the face of our
country.
The Interfaith Alliance
1511
K Street, NW
Suite 738
Washington, D.C. 20005
202-639-6370
EDUCATION
According to press reports, fundamentalists already claim control of 2,250
school boards nationwide, or about 15 percent of the total. (U.S. News &
World Report, June 6, 1994)
(T)he Lake County School Board dominated 3-2 by vocal members of
Pat Robertson's Christian Coalition embarked on a radical restructuring of
public education in Lake County. Head Start money was returned to the
federal government unspent. Attempts were made to expunge sex
education (materials) and books and to mandate the teaching of
creationism in the science curriculum. (from The Berkshire Eagle,
Pittsfield, MA, as reprinted in The Orlando Sentinel, June 5, 1994)
CHILDREN
In La Mesa, California, a local Christian Coalition chapter opposed a feeding program for
school children, despite the fact that one quarter of the children qualified for the program.
"We shouldn't take away a parental responsibility." (Christian Coalition
member Donald J.) Smith, who scorned the food program as "one more
example of government interference in family life."
ANTI-SEMITISM
Pat Robertson, founder of the Christian Coalition has spoken of Jews being
"spiritually blind" and "spiritually deaf." (St. Petersburg Times, June 26,
1994)
The Rev. Billy McCormack, the Christian Coalition's Louisiana director
and former member of the state's Republican Party Central Committee,
refused to repudiate former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke during his
campaign for governor and the U.S. Senate, saying Duke was not as much
a threat as the Jews in the ACLU. (U.S. Newswire, June 9, 1994; from the
recent Anti-Defamation League (ADL) report The Religious Right: The
Assault of Tolerance & Pluralism in America)
Bailey Smith, a founding father of the movement, once told 15,000 people
at a Religious Roundtable briefing in Dallas, "With all due respect to those
dear people, my friend, God Almighty does not hear the prayer of a Jew."
(St. Petersburg Times, June 26, 1994)
WOMEN
"I know this is painful for the ladies to hear, but if you get married, you
have accepted the headship of a man, your husband. Christ is the head of
the household and the husband is the head of the wife, and that's the way it
is, period." (Federal News Service, Sept. 11, 1992, quoting a Robertson
newsletter.)
"(T)he feminist agenda is not about equal rights for women. It is about a
socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave
their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism
and become lesbians." That is what television evangelist Pat Robertson
wrote in a recent letter to help raise money to defeat Amendment 1, an
Iowa ballot initiative that would extend the protections of the state
Constitution to women. The three-page letter was paid for by the Christian
Coalition of Chesapeake, VA, and was an in-kind contribution to the Iowa
Committee to Stop ERA. It was sent to households in Iowa and around
the country that have contributed to the Christian Coalition. (The
Washington Post, August 23, 1993)
(Robertson) chastised women legislators who support no-fault divorce
laws that he says encourage men to split. "Any woman who votes for no-
fault divorce is like a turkey voting for Thanksgiving," Robertson said,
paraphrasing a conservative commentator. (The State-Record, Columbia,
SC, June 28, 1992)
SOCIAL SECURITY
Pat Robertson has explicitly called for an end to the Social Security system.
Accompanying (the) low-rate flat tax (Robertson was advocating) should
be a shifting of social security from a compulsory government system,
where all surpluses are used to pay federal deficit spending, to a
compulsory private system where younger workers can save tax-free for
their retirement by investing in American free market capitalism instead of
wasteful federal boondoggles. (Undated Robertson newsletter)
JERRY FALWELL -- PROFIT FROM POLITICS
You, too, will have a chance to hear (Paula) Jones' story by ordering
from a series of tapes being produced by Falwell, the preacher explained
during the Old Time Gospel Hour. On sale now for $40 is "Bill and Hillary
Clinton's Circle of Power," which covers the Whitewater controversy and
even suggests complicity by the president in murder. (The San Diego
Union-Tribune, May 20, 1994)
Statement of Principle
The Response: The Interfaith Alliance
The Interfaith Alliance is a coalition of
This is a time when our nation must work harder to bring our families and
The
concerned religious leaders and other
communities together, not drive them apart. We must look to our religious
Interfaith
citizens who have joined together to
diversity as a source of strength, not a weakness.
Alliance
articulate and promote the unifying
Zip
principles of all faiths-compassion,
Thousands of religious and other leaders are eager to speak out against
tolerance and justice.
these messages of division, yet they have had no platform from which to
Other
make their voices heard.
In a world plagued by strife, fear, and hatred, we affirm the values of
respect and community against the politics of division.
That is the mission of The Interfaith Alliance, a national organization made
up of religious leaders and other citizens who are concerned about the
We reject efforts to pit groups of people against each other for personal or
impact of the radical right. Working with religious, political and grassroots
political gain.
communities across the country, it will bring a new voice to the public
debate.
We will work to inform and unite citizens, to reinvigorate public discourse,
and to hold our leaders accountable for their works and deeds.
The Interfaith Alliance has a three-part strategy:
We enthusiastically welcome all people of good will to join in our effort to
Public dialogue: It will work to restore civility and common sense to
affirm these ideals.
S
S
S
forum.
YES! I support the beliefs and ideals of The Interfaith Alliance. Enclosed is my
$100
State
FAX
We consider it our moral obligation to promote understanding and
participation.
The Interfaith Alliance's Activities
$50
the public debate, attempting to make its voice heard in the national
America was founded on the premise that its citizens would participate in
Public education: In states targeted by the radical right, the Alliance
contribution of:
I would like to receive additional information.
The Interfaith Alliance is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. Contributions are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.
the debate over our nation's direction. Today, with so many crucial issues
will work to educate voters about the far right's activities, positions and
on the agenda, public debate plays an even greater role. The religious
affiliations. Working closely with other national and state organizations,
$25
community has always been an important voice in that dialogue. The
it will coordinate grassroots and other educational activities.
Interfaith Alliance has been created to ensure that this proud tradition
continues.
National Clearinghouse: It will serve as a national clearinghouse for
religious, grassroots and political citizens looking for ways to respond to
The Challenge: The Radical Right
the radical right.
Name
Address
City
Phone
Radical right-wing extremists have declared a holy war in America,
promoting an agenda based on hate and intolerance. They are preying on
The Interfaith Alliance
Americans' very real concerns about their families and communities in an
attempt to impose one narrow set of beliefs on an entire nation.
The Interfaith Alliance Board of Directors consists of a diverse group of
religious leaders. It is a proud demonstration of the success of our nation
Organizations such as the Christian Coalition, the Oregon Citizen's Alliance
in fostering religious diversity.
and the Traditional Values Coalition have adopted a broad strategy that is
succeeding in state after state. Religious extremism is increasingly being
The board, recognizing that this issue extends to all aspects of public policy,
used to attack politicians, pull textbooks out of classrooms, cut back on
is also developing a bipartisan advisory group that will draw from labor,
school breakfast programs and promote discrimination.
business, grassroots activists, elected officials and other concerned citizens.
The
Interfaith
Alliance
This movement has polarized the political debate, choking off discussion
The professional staff, led by executive director Jill Hanauer, is based in
with its harsh and unyielding rhetoric. Claiming to be the only religious
Washington, D.C. It includes finance director Joe Blumenfeld, religious
voice in the debate, the radical right attempts to silence its critics with
outreach director Bill Golderer and communications director Pat Lewis.
charges of religious bigotry. At stake is the fundamental ideal of America as
a haven of religious liberty and tolerance, where individuals have an
The Interfaith Alliance is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization. Contributions
uncompromised right to their own beliefs.
are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.
THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE
Dr. Robert H. Meneilly is the Senior Pastor of The Village Church
in Prairie Village, Kansas, which is a 7,600 member congregation. He
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
recently served terms on the Board of Trustees at both Pittsburgh and
McCormick Theological Seminaries and is the current President of the Kansas
Dr. Herbert D. Valentine, Chair. As former Moderator of the
City Council of Churches.
Presbyterian Church (USA), Dr. Valentine held the highest elected position in
the church body until last year. He is currently serving as the Executive
Bishop Francis P. Murphy is the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic
Archdiocese of Baltimore. He has a long-standing involvement with issues
Presbyter for the Baltimore Presbytery.
related to care for the poor, including his current term as President of the
Dr. Joan Brown Campbell is the current General Secretary of the
Western Maryland Interfaith Housing Development. He also serves as an
National Council of Churches. As part of a distinguished career marked by a
advisory Board Member for the Christian Children's Fund and is a member
of the board of directors for Bread For the World.
commitment to ecumenical dialogue, she has served as President of the
National Association of Ecumenical Staff and as a member of the Steering
Committee for U.S. Church Leaders. She also serves on the board of
Dr. A. Knighton Stanley is the Senior Minister of Peoples
directors of the Union Theological Seminary in New York City.
Congregational United Church of Christ of Washington, D.C. and a member
of the United Church of Christ General Synod's nominating committee. He
The
Denise T. Davidoff is the Moderator of the Unitarian Universalist
chairs the board of trustees of the University of the District of Columbia,
Association, the highest elected office in the UUA. She has also served as
serves on the Steering Committee of America 2000 of the District of
Interfaith
Columbia and is a member of the board of directors of both the Columbia
President of the Unitarian Universalist Women's Federation and currently sits
on the Unitarian Universalist Board of Trustees.
Heights Development Corporation and the Latino Development Corporation.
Alliance
Rabbi David Gelfand is Senior Rabbi of the Anshe Chesed Fairmount
Reverend Dr. John M. Swomley has been a pioneer in the field
of social ethics and political science for more than thirty years. He has
Temple in Cleveland, Ohio. In addition, he serves as a chairperson for the
Clergy Division of the United Way and is an Executive Board Member of the
published over 350 articles and six books on religious liberty and Christian
ethics. He is a committed member of national peace organizations, such as
Synagogue Council of America. Rabbi Gelfand also was an adjunct faculty
the Fellowship of Reconciliation, where he served as Executive Secretary. He
member of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New
York City and has published numerous articles on issues related to social
has had a long involvement in the struggle for civil rights, including
strategic planning for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
justice.
Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton is the Roman Catholic Bishop from
William P. Thompson has an unparalleled record of service
the Archdiocese of Detroit. Bishop Gumbleton has a distinguished career as
reflecting his concern for the unity of the Presbyterian Church, which he
has served as Moderator and Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, the
a spokesman for world peace. He has served as President of Bread For the
World and is serving on the Board of Witness For Peace. He has received
church's highest governing body. He is a member of the Central Committee
of the World Council of Churches, a former President of the World Alliance
numerous awards, including the University of Notre Dame Peacemaker
of Reformed Churches and also served on the General Board of the National
Award, and has published over twenty articles in national publications on
Darkness cannot drive out darkness;
Council of Churches from 1966 to 1984.
issues related to world peace and social justice.
Rabbi Arthur Hertzberg is one of the country's most influential
Dr. Foy Valentine has distinguished himself as a theologian, scholar
only light can do that. Hate cannot
theological minds. Rabbi Hertzberg is the former president of both the
and Christian Ethicist, publishing numerous books and articles in the
Christian Social Ethics field. He has served as chairman of the Christian
drive out hate; only love can do that.
American Jewish Congress and the American Jewish Policy Foundation. He is
Professor Emeritus of Religion at Dartmouth University and visiting professor
Ethics Commission for Baptist World Alliance and served on President Jimmy
Carter's Commission for a National Agenda for the 1980s. He is the
of history at New York University.
immediate past president of Americans United for Separation of Church and
Reverend Leonard B. Jackson is an Associate Pastor in the First
State and for 28 years was Executive Director of the Christian Life
Martin Luther King, Jr.
American Methodist Church in Los Angeles. He played a major role in
Commission of the Souther Baptist Convention.
planning and rebuilding efforts immediately following the recent civil unrest
in Los Angeles. He has devoted himself to the reinvigoration of the Los
Angeles community by providing leadership for a number of volunteer
organizations, including the Los Angeles Youth Motivational Task Force.
1511 K Street, NW
Suite 738
Washington, D.C. 20005
202-639-6370
THE INTERFAITHALLIANCE
ANNOUNCEMENT PRESS COVERAGE
MAINLINE RELIGIONS FORM LOBBY FOR 'ALTERNATE' VIEW
New York Times, 7/14/94
TACTICS OF RIGHT-WING FUNDAMENTALISTS ARE ASSAILED;
A NEW COALITION, THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE, DENOUNCES THE
DEMONIZATION OF ADVOCATES OF DIFFERENT POLITICAL POSITIONS
Los Angeles Times, 7/15/94
INTERVIEW: DR. HERBERT VALENTINE, CHAIRMAN
OF THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE, AND
REVEREND JERRY FALWELL, CHANCELLOR OF LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
NBC News - - TODAY Show, 07/14/94
EXPERTS DISPUTE RELIGIOUS RIGHT'S EXCLUSIONARY NATURE
Cable News Network - Inside Politics, 07/14/94
TWO MULTI-FAITH COALITIONS CRITICIZE RELIGIOUS RIGHT:
REFERENCES TO U.S. AS CHRISTIAN NATION HIT
Washington Times, 7/15/94
CLERICS FORM GROUP TO FIGHT 'RADICAL RIGHT'
Reuters Wire, 7/15/94
RELIGIOUS RIGHT FACES A NEW FOE;
INTERFAITH LEADERS FORM GROUP AGAINST 'THREAT' TO TOLERANCE
Boston Globe, 7/15/94
CLERGY FORM GROUP TO FIGHT INFLUENCE OF 'RADICAL RIGHT' IN
POLITICS
Baltimore Sun, 7/15/94
NEW GROUP TARGETS UNGODLY NAME-CALLING
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 07/16/94
RELIGIOUS LEADERS ASSAIL TACTICS OF RIGHT-WING
FUNDAMENTALISTS
The Los Angeles Times, 07/15/94
RELIGIOUS LEADERS FORM GROUP
IN OPPOSITION TO THE CHRISTIAN RIGHT
The Seattle Times, 07/15/94
07/27/1994 07:23 2029863810
PAGE 07
INTERFAITH ALLIANCE COUNTERS RELIGIOUS RIGHT
The Evansville (Indiana) Courier, 07/15/94
CLERICS FORM ANTI-RIGHTIST COALITION
Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 07/15/94
CLERICS' GROUP TO COUNTER RIGHT
Portland Oregonian, 07/15/94
GROUP TO BATTLE FAR RIGHT
Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, 07/15/94
RELIGIOUS ALLIANCE TO OPPOSE 'RADICAL RIGHT'
The Cincinnati Enquirer, 07/15/94
CLERICS LAUNCH CRUSADE AGAINST RELIGIOUS RIGHT
The Salt Lake Tribune, 07/15/94
RELIGIOUS RIGHT OPPOSED
The Sacramento Bee, 07/15/94
CLERICS FORM GROUP TO FIGHT 'RADICAL RIGHT'
Rocky Mountain News, 07/15/94
CLERIC GROUP TO FIGHT 'RADICAL RIGHT' AGENDA
The Memphis Commercial Appeal, 07/15/94
GROUP FORMS AGAINST RELIGIOUS RIGHT:
COUNTERACTING POLITICAL CLOUT OF CONSERVATIVE CAMP IS ITS AIM
The Kansas City Star, 07/15/94
CLERICS TAKE ON 'RADICAL RIGHT'
Chicago Sun-Times, 07/15/94
GROUP TO COUNTER CHRISTIAN COALITION
The San Diego Union-Tribune, 07/14/94
ALLIANCE TO FIGHT RELIGIOUS RIGHT
The Indianapolis News, 07/14/94
COALITION TARGETS RELIGIOUS RIGHT
INTERFAITH ALLIANCE ENTERS POLITICAL FRAY
Phoenix Gazette, July 15, 1994
CLERICS OF VARIETY OF FAITHS UNITE
TO COUNTER 'RELIGIOUS RIGHT'
Philadelphia Inquirer, July 16, 1994
CLERICS UNITE TO COUNTER THE RELIGIOUS 'RADICAL RIGHT'
San Jose Mercury News, July 15, 1994
CHRISTIAN COALITION CHALLENGED;
A NEW RELIGIOUS ALLIANCE IS FORMED
Charlotte Observer, July 15, 1994
MAINLINE RELIGIOUS LEADERS ESTABLISH ALLIANCE
TO CHALLENGE CHRISTIAN RIGHT
St. Paul Pioneer Press, July 14, 1994
RELIGIOUS RIGHT FACES OPPOSITION
CHURCH GROUP CITES DIVERSITY
Miami Herald, July 15, 1994
ALLIANCE TO COUNTER RELIGIOUS RIGHT
Beacon Journal, July 14, 1994
BIGOTRY ASSAILED
Richmond Times-Dispatch, July 17, 1994
'RADICAL RIGHT' FINDS CRITICS IN NEW ALLIANCE
Palm Beach Post, July 15, 1994
RELIGIOUS LEADERS JOIN FIGHT AGAINST THE RIGHT
Putsburgh Post-Gazette, July 15, 1994
CLERICS UNITE IN ALLIANCE TO COUNTER 'RADICAL RIGHT'
Wichita Eagle, July 15, 1994
RELIGION IN BRIEF GROUP TO COUNTER THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT
The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, July 23, 1994
SOME RELIGIOUS FIGHT RELIGIOUS RIGHT:
GROUP PROMOTES CHURCH-STATE SEPARATION
The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer, July 23, 1994
MODERATES HOPE TO COUNTER EXTREME RELIGIOUS RIGHT
NPR Morning Edition, July 21, 1994
The
Interfaith
Alliance
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Friends of The Interfaith Alliance
FROM:
Pat Lewis, Communications Director
RE:
TIA Announcement Update
DATE:
July 27, 1994
Just a quick note to let you know that our July 14
announcement was a great success. Our chair, Dr. Herb
Valentine, started the day on the NBC Today show, where he
managed to speak forcefully and articulately about the
organization's goals, despite repeated interruptions by
Jerry Falwell. We had a well-attended news conference in
Washington in the afternoon, with several board members
delivering powerful statements. After that, board member Dr.
Joan Brown Campbell was interviewed on CNN's Inside Politics
alongside Christian Coalition executive director Ralph Reed.
The good news just keeps pouring in. As of today, TIA board
members have participated in and are scheduled to take part
in more than a dozen radio talk show programs, including
National Public Radio's Morning Edition, the NPR affiliate
station in New York City and a show on the Independent
Broadcaster's Network carried in 74 markets across the
country.
The story of the announcement was carried in newspapers from
coast to coast, including:
The Los Angeles Times
The Boston Globe
The New York Times
The Baltimore Sun
The Washington Times
Chicago Sun-Times
The Seattle Times
St. Louis Post Dispatch
The Evansville Courier (IN)
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Portland Oregonian
Sun-Sentinel (Ft. Lauderdale)
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Salt Lake Tribune
The Sacramento Bee
1511 K Street, NW Suite 738 Washington, D.C. 20005 202-639-6370
Rocky Mountain News
The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN)
The Kansas City Star
The San Diego Union Tribune
The Indianapolis News
The Atlanta Journal and Constitution
The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)
Philadelphia Inquirer
San Jose Mercury News
St. Paul Pioneer Press
Charlotte Observer
Phoenix Gazette
Miami Herald
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Palm Beach Post
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Dallas Morning News
Hotline
International Herald Tribune
Reuters News Service
Wichita Eagle
Beacon Journal (Akron)
Each additional story has generated a flood of phone calls
from people eager to join our efforts.
We'll be sure to keep you posted. Thanks again for all your
support.
The New York Time
opyright © 1994 The New York Times
NEW YORK, THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1994
75 cents beyond the greater New York
Mainline Religions Form
Lobby for 'Alternate' View
By RICHARD L BERKE
alternate religious voice."
Special to The New York Times
Dr. Valentine said the group's
WASHINGTON, July 13 - A
first-year budget would be about
broad coalition of mainline reli-
$4 million. He said that both the
gious leaders plans to announce
national Democratic and Republi-
on Thursday the establishment of
can Parties had been solicited for
an educational and lobbying
donations, but that so far only the
group intended to counter the
Democrats had contributed. The
Christian Coalition, the leading
financing will mostly come from
organization of religious conser-
individuals, Dr. Valentine said,
vatives.
and not from the religious groups.
Organizers of the new group,
the Interfaith Alliance, said there
Like the Christian Coalition, the
had been few people from reli-
group will not endorse candidates.
gious organizations speaking out
But it will not take positions on
against the religious right, leav-
social issues either. Dr. Valentine,
ing most of the attacks to come
for one, said his church favored
from the Democratic Party. They
abortion rights, while other
said they hoped that people from
churches represented on the
theological backgrounds would
board, including the Roman Cath-
appear more credible than politi-
olic, opposed abortion.
cians.
The alliance's board includes
"We really get quite upset with
Rabbi Arthur Hertzberg, a for-
religious litmus tests and people
mer president of the American
of faith and religious conviction
Jewish Congress; the Rev. Leon-
getting attacked because they
ard B. Jackson, associate minis-
don't believe in certain things,"
ter of the First A.M.E. Church in
the group's chairman, Dr. Her-
Los Angeles; Bishop Thomas J.
bert D. Valentine, executive direc-
Gumbleton, auxiliary bishop of
tor of the Baltimore Presbytery of
the Roman Catholic Archdiocese
the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),
of Detroit, and William P. Thomp-
said in an interview. "Putting it
son, former president of the Na-
another way, we're against spirit-
tional Council and the World
ual intimidation."
Council of Churches.
'Alternate Religious Voice'
Dr. Valentine described the
group as "an alternative to the
Another board member, Dr.
Christian Coalition."
Joan Brown Campbell, general
Mike Russell, a spokesman for
secretary of the National Council
the Christian Coalition, which was
of Churches, said: "Our concern
founded by Pat Robertson, took
is that the radical right lays claim
issue with the characterization.
to the fact that they uniquely
"If their sole objective is to
speak for people of faith in this
counter us," Mr. Russell said, "I
country, in essence that 'God is on
would seriously question how
our side.' We feel we must come
many grass-roots supporters
together as an interfaith group
they're going to get. It's a weak
and say to this country there is an
foundation to get started on."
WASHINGTON EDITION
Southern
California's
Newspaper
Los Angeles Times
CIRCULATION:
1,104,651 DAILY 1,502.120 SUNDAY
Friday
COPYRIGHT 1994
TIMES MIRROR COMPANY
July 15
1994
DAILY 75 c
ANHOLION Of 1111 100 ANGHTES TIMES
Tactics of Right-Wing Fundamentalists Are Assailed
Religion: A new coalition, the Interfaith
Administration officials and Democratic Party leaders
back school breakfast programs, to promote discrimina-
condemned religious conservatives for engineering a
Alliance, denounces the 'demonization' of
tion and to mislead voters." Valentine said. "The
"stealth takeover" of the GOP.
advocates of different political positions.
Among the new alliance's members are religious
message of the radical right is that there is only one way
to think and live to be a good Christian."
leaders from Catholic, Protestant. Jewish and other
faiths.
Alliance members also said that they object to
remarks by Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders, who
By JEFF LEEDS
On issues ranging from abortion to homosexual rights.
TIMES STAFF WRITER
lashed out at religious conservatives recently as "un-
the members may disagree, but each opposes invoking
Christian."
W
ASHINGTON-A new coalition of religious lead-
"God to assert the moral superiority of one people over
Similar comments by Rep. Vic Fazio (D-West Sacra-
ers announced plans Thursday to counteract the
another," said Joan Brown Campbell. general secretary
mento) and Democratic National Committee Chairman
of the National Council of Churches of Christ.
political clout of the Christian Coalition and other
David Wilhelm have triggered Republican accusations
conservative religious groups.
The group's leaders said evangelical right-wingers
of witch-hunting and discrimination. But until now,
threaten American traditions of religious liberty by
Organizers of the Interfaith Alliance denounced the
most prominent religious leaders have tried to avoid the
claiming to be the only representatives of true Christian
cross fire.
tactics of right-wing fundamentalist groups as well as
values.
recent broad-brush attacks on evangelical conserva-
The new group said it hopes to raise $4 million this
By using religion at once as a weapon and a shield.
tives by Democrats, saying that both groups engage in
year but will not endorse candidates or take positions on
conservatives fragment the nation's families with "spiri-
"demonization" of advocates of different political posi-
social issues. Instead, it plans to register voters,
tual intimidation," said Dr. Herbert D. Valentine. a
tions.
distribute voter guides describing how office-seekers
Presbyterian minister and the alliance's chairman.
stand on different issues and become a "national
The group, which characterizes itself as nonpartisan
"Religious extremism is being used as a weapon to
clearinghouse" for grass-roots organizations dedicated
and ecumenical, was formed just weeks after Clinton
attack politicians. to censor classroom textbooks. to cut
to religious freedom.
THE
BALTIMORE
SUN
RIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
THE SUN
Clergy form group to fight influence of 'radical right' in politics
By Michael A. Fletcher
Conservatives
ready being felt across America,
campaign of Christian-bashing."
headquarters here, which will serve
Sun Staff Writer
with school boards banning text-
Jill Hanauer, executive director
as a clearinghouse for information
called intolerant
books and altering curricula and
of the alliance, said the group has
that its leaders say will expose the
WASHINGTON - Charging
with personal attacks against politi-
no partisan interest. Instead, she
extremism of some religious groups.
that the "radical right" dominates
cal leaders, including President
said, its goal is offer an alternative
Board members of the alliance
and distorts the moral debate in
presbyter of the Presbytery of Balti-
Clinton.
religious view to clear the way for
include Dr. Joan Brown Campbell,
American politics, clerics from a
more, said at a news conference
Ralph Reed, executive director of
substantive debate on many issues
general secretary of the National
wide range of denominations have
yesterday.
the Christian Coalition, dismissed
that now get bogged down in moral
Council of Churches; Bishop Thom-
formed an organization to counter
Dr. Valentine and other mem-
the alliance's assertions that the
invective.
as J. Gumbleton, a Roman Catholic
the influence of conservative reli-
bers of the alliance said conserva-
Christian Coalition breeds intoler-
For this year, the group has set a
bishop from Detroit; the Rev. Leon-
glous groups.
tive religious groups, particularly
ance, adding in an interview yester-
fund-raising goal of $4 million. Dr.
ard B. Jackson, an African Method-
The new group, called the Inter-
TV evangelist Pat Robertson's
day that "we advocate positions
Valentine said the Democratic and
ist Episcopal pastor in Los Angeles;
faith Alliance, was formed to "op-
Christian Coalition, "pose a serious
that mainstream American voters
Republican parties have been solic-
Denise T. Davidoff, moderator of
pose the notion that only one set of
threat to the American principles of
agree with."
Ited but only Democrats have con-
the Unitarian Universalist Associa-
convictions may be held by people
tolerance and liberty."
He also called the alliance a tool
tributed 80 far among a wide range
tion; Rabbi David Gelfand, from
of faith," the group's chairman,
Alliance leaders said that the
of the Democratic Party and "win-
of individual donors.
Cleveland; and Bishop Francis P.
Herbert D. Valentine, the executive
conservative Christian agenda is al-
dow dressing for a very partisan
The alliance has opened an
Murphy of Baltimore.
July 15, 1994
The Washington Times
2 multifaith coalitions
criticize religious right
References to U.S. as Christian nation hit
By Larry Witham
"It's always easier to organize people
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
who think alike," said Mr. Valentine, con-
trasting the diversity of his alliance with
Two religious coalitions yesterday
the single-mindedness of the religious
warned against the "radical religious
right.
right" and groups espousing a "Judeo-
This diversity allows the alliance to talk
Christian" nation, saying they threaten
more reasonably and tolerantly in public
freedom of faith and fair-play politics.
debate, said the Rev. Joan Brown Campbell,
"The message of the radical right is that
general secretary of the National Council
there is absolutely only one way to think
of Churches.
and live to be a good Christian," said the
"Words matter, and no one knows that
Rev. Herbert D. Valentine, former modera-
better than the church and the synagogue,"
tor, or annual leader, of the Presbyterian
she said. "There is a very strong differ-
Church (U.S.A.).
ence" between the religious right's rhetoric
At a news conference announcing forma-
and statements by the alliance, she said.
tion of the Interfaith Alliance, Mr. Valen-
The other difference is that the religious
tine said his coalition will try to "return
right "is in the process of taking over the
civility" to public debate, educate the pub-
Republican Party," said Rabbi Arthur
lic about the "scope of the radical right's
Hertzburg, a leading Jewish historian.
political agenda" and serve as an informa-
"There is no one with that agenda in this
tion clearinghouse.
room."
Meanwhile, another coalition's leaders
met with Vice President Al Gore at the
Mr. Valentine said the alliance has "ap-
White House, presenting him with a state-
proached the Republican Party," among
ment that belief in America as Christian or
other groups, for financial support. Asked
Judeo-Christian "endangers our common
if the White House had influenced the alli-
welfare because it uses religion to divide
ance's formation, he said: "Quite frankly we
rather than unite the American people."
want to keep a distance from the White
The four-page document, "A Shared Vi-
House."
sion: Religious Liberty in the 20th Century,"
At the press conference, the religious
also criticizes secular agendas that want all
right was characterized as a "dangerous,"
religion excluded from public life.
"arrogant," "extremist" movement that
While focusing on the importance of free
"lets poor youngsters go hungry, and keeps
religious expression, the letter strongly
women down," "uses language frightening-
criticized groups that call America a
ly reminiscent of that used by the Nazis,"
"Christian nation" or that are "characteriz-
and adds to the "pervasive sense of despair
ing their [political] opponents as sinful or
and cynicism" in the country.
ungodly."
While the alliance said it does not want
The statement was signed by 80 civic
to take stands on issues or candidates, only
and religious leaders and given to Mr. Gore
some members said Surgeon General
by. Rabbi James Rudin of the American
Joycelyn Elders' comment that her oppo-
Jewish Committee and the Rev. James
nents were "un-Christian" was inappropri-
Dunn, a moderate Southern Baptist who
ate.
split with the denomination's conservative
Rabbi Hertzberg said Mr. Robertson "is
leaders.
probably a very decent man," but his rhet-
Their document did not cite any particu-
oric gives cover to the Ku Klux Klan and
lar groups, but at the press conference of
other bigots. "They are softening up the
the Interfaith Alliance, Pat Robertson and
country for the idea that the other guy is
his Christian Coalition were the focus.
satanic."
7/15/94
THE BOSTON GLOBE
Religious right faces a new foe
Interfaith leaders form group against 'threat' to tolerance
REUTERS
This new group of Protestant,
ple, have adopted a broad, heavy-
Catholic and Jewish leaders is the
handed polítical strategy that is suc-
WASHINGTON - A new organi-
latest to speak out against the reli-
ceeding in state after state."
zation of mainstream religious lead-
gious right. Others include Demo-
Robertson, 3 nationally known
ers became the latest group yester-
cratic Party leaders; People for the
televangelist, is 2 leader of the reli-
day to combat what they describe 23
American Way, a constitutional free-
gious right.
the intolerant views of the religious
doms group; and the Anti-Defama-
radical right in American politics.
tion League, a Jewish organization
The nationally prominent clerics
fighting discrimination.
said their organization, "The Inter-
At a news conference, Valentine
faith Alliance," would oppose reli-
said his interfaith group would be a
gious political activists who espouse
counterbalance to religious right ac-
2 single, narrow "Christian" way to
tivists but that it would not get in-
think and act.
volved in politics except to register
"We believe the groups which
voters and provide political educa-
represent the radical religious right
tion.
pose E serious threat to the Ameri-
"The radical religious right has a
can principles of tolerance and liber-
well-defined and dangerous political
ty," said Herbert Valentine of Balti-
agenda," Valentine said. "Pat Rob-
more, the former top official of the
ertson's Christian Coalition, the Or-
Presbyterian Church of the United
egon Citizen's Alliance and the Tra-
States.
ditional Values Coalition, for exam-
The
Interfaith
Alliance
Statement by Dr. Herbert D. Valentine
July 14, 1994
Washington, D.C.
My name is Herbert D. Valentine. I have been a Presbyterian minister for
almost 35 years; for the last 17 years I have served as Executive
Presbytery of Baltimore, a judicatory of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) not unlike a bishop in a diocese in other Christian
denominations. I am also former Moderator of the General Assembly of
the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the highest elected position in the
denomination.
I am here today to announce the formation of The Interfaith Alliance, an
organization whose purpose is to oppose the notion that only one set of
convictions may be held by people of faith in the Judeo-Christian
tradition. We want to demonstrate that people of faith may hold
different points of view on many issues. Together, however, we hold to
two fundamental beliefs. First, we believe that religion must continue
to play an active, relevant role in the life of America, as it has since
the founding and establishment of this country. And second, we believe
the groups which represent the radical religious right pose a serious
threat to the American principles of tolerance and liberty.
The message of the radical right is that there is absolutely only one
way to think and live to be a good Christian. The radical right
arrogantly asserts that its voice is the only true religious voice
speaking in America today. In fact, the radical religious right has a
well-defined and dangerous political agenda. Pat Robertson's Christian
Coalition, the Oregon Citizen's Alliance and the Traditional Values
Coalition, for example, have adopted a broad, heavy-handed political
strategy that is succeeding in state after state, much to the detriment
of the people in those states. Religious extremism is being used as a
weapon to attack politicians, to censor classroom textbooks, to cut back
school breakfast programs, to promote discrimination, and to mislead
voters.
At the very time when our nation's families and communities are working
extra hard to pull themselves together, the radical religious right is
fragmenting us with spiritual intimidation. Until now, the words of
those of us who promote respect and tolerance have been no match for the
strident, well-organized, and well-funded efforts of the radical right.
That is why we have come together to form The Interfaith Alliance.
The Interfaith Alliance
1511 K Street, NW Suite 738 Washington, D.C. 20005 202-639-6370
Page Two - Dr. Valentine
The Interfaith Alliance has a three part strategy. First, we will
strive to return civility and common sense to the public debate and make
our voices heard. Second, we will educate the public about the scope of
the radical right's political agenda in those states where it is most
active. And third, we will serve as a national clearinghouse for
grassroots organizations who care about these issues.
Those of us who make up The Interfaith Alliance have devoted our lives
to promoting compassion, tolerance and diversity. We are angered by
religion being used to pit people against people, to destroy rather than
to heal. We believe that the ethical and moral lessons found in
religious tradition hold the keys to solving many of our nation's most
pressing problems. But the value of those lessons will be lost if we do
not stand up and speak out against the harsh, unyielding doctrine
preached by the radical religious right.
That is why we are here: to stand up and speak out.
The
Interfaith
Alliance
Statement by the Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell
July 14, 1994
Washington, DC
My name is Joan Brown Campbell. I am an ordained minister and serve as
General Secretary of The National Council of the Churches of Christ in
the USA (NCCCUSA). The NCCC is the nation's largest ecumenical body
comprised of 32 member churches whose combined membership is 49 million
Protestant and Orthodox Christians.
I am here today with my colleagues to announce the formation of The
Interfaith Alliance. We join together out of deep concern for the soul
of this great and good nation. We join together so that our combined
voices might be a witness to our national heritage which is enriched by
many faiths and traditions that shape and inform the values of
individuals and families. We come together to appeal to an inclusive
and plural America to preserve and protect the best of our proud and
national heritage.
We believe it is contrary to all we hold dear to appeal for support for
one belief by degrading the beliefs and convictions of other religious
faiths and ethical approaches. We know that any threat or act of
intimidation to one group is finally an abridgment of the religious
freedom of us all. Yes, we believe the voices of the radical right are
a very real threat to that freedom. We believe that all realms,
including political and public life, come under the judgment of God. We
believe it is blasphemy to invoke the infinite and holy God to assert
the moral superiority of one people over another. As our Pledge of
Allegiance affirms, we are "one nation under God," not "over" God or in
any other way owning God. Any partisan use of God's name tends to breed
intolerance and to divide. Rather than affirming a common reverence,
with room for every dissent and even disbelief, it suggests religious
conformity and leads to religious arrogance.
We need to be very clear that God belongs to no one side, for we believe
we all belong to God. In measuring partisan visions for our country's
life, credible religious convictions can find their constructive place.
Religious concerns are best fulfilled when political positions reflect
the reality of a God who suffers with all who suffer, who cares for the
integrity of all creation, who wills the well-being of all people, and
whose way is always justice and peace. Then, a religious sense of life
has filled its genuine political role.
The Interfaith Alliance
1511 K Street, NW Suite 738 Washington, D.C. 20005 202-639-6370
Page 2 - The Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell
We are here today to support the full enfranchisement of all our
nation's people and to clearly affirm that our religious freedom and
pluralism is foundational to our national heritage. We especially
deplore the suggestion that to be fully franchised one must not only be
a Christian, but espouse a particular understanding of life in Christ.
We are here today because we share a vision about the future, a vision
about the kind of nation we aspire to be -- a nation where dissent is
respected even as patriotism is prized. Where faith unites rather than
divides and where diversity provides strength, not weakness. We share a
vision as old as the republic itself, a city on a hill where persons of
all faith or no faith are welcome, yet none receive preferential
treatment.
We come together not to do battle with the religious right, but to
restore our common goal. Our quarrel is with any who would fragment and
divide our people and threaten our rich heritage of religious freedom
and tolerance for diversity.
The
Interfaith
Alliance
Statement of Rabbi Arthur Hertzberg
July 14, 1994
Washington, D.C.
My name is Arthur Hertzberg. I am Rabbi Emeritus at Temple Emanu-E1 in
New Jersey, and have served as the president of the American Jewish
Congress and vice-president of the World Jewish Congress.
There is one aspect of the radical religious right that is of particular
concern to me, and that is the demonization of all dissent.
Pat Robertson, the founder and president of the Christian Coalition, has
called Jews 'spiritually deaf' and 'spiritually blind.' He and his
allies constantly refer to the U.S. as a Christian nation; coalition
director Ralph Reed has said that his organization intends to have
Christians take their country back one precinct at a time.
For those of us who call America home and yet who are not Christian,
these words are far from innocuous references to the nation's majority
religion. Instead, they raise disturbing questions about the right of
people whose views may differ from their neighbors to enjoy the same
religious freedom. The quintessence of the issue is in a statement by
Pat Robertson in an interview with New York magazine on August 18, 1986:
II
It is interesting, that termites don't build things, and the great
builders of our nation almost to a man have been Christians, because
Christians have the desire to build something. He is motivated by love
of man and God, so he builds. The people who have come into [our]
institutions [today] are primarily termites. They are into destroying
institutions that have been built by Christians, whether it is
universities, governments, our own traditions, that we have
The
termites are in charge now, and that is not the way it ought to be, and
the time has arrived for a godly fumigation."
To equate human beings who are not like you, and with whom you disagree,
with termites to be destroyed is to use language frighteningly similar
to that used by the Nazis as they exterminated my brothers and sisters.
Such hateful rhetoric points at the many millions of Americans who have
come here from many parts of the world, and from many traditions, as the
infections of our society. If such opinions prevail, the America of the
Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States
will have come to an end. We must oppose this threat to liberty.
It is not just Jews who will suffer under the agenda being promoted by
the radical religious right - it is anyone who may be different from the
majority.
The Interfaith Alliance
1511 K Street, NW Suite 738 Washington, D.C. 20005 202-639-6370
The
Interfaith
Alliance
Statement by Bishop Frederick James
July 14, 1994
Washington, D.C.
My name is Frederick James. I am the presiding Bishop of our Washington area ministry
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Let me say at the outset that my church has
historically defended the religious views and commitments of all people. We stand today
for justice for all Americans. Our stance is one of respect and affection for all people God
has made!
My decision to become an ordained minister over 30 years ago was in pursuit of a godly
vision that I have for this country. It is a vision which was articulated by Martin Luther
King Jr. He spoke often of a "beloved community". He saw American society becoming
a "beloved community" free of hate and violence and committed to justice and equality. In
my life-long commitment to the struggle for human rights, I know the barriers that hate
and arrogance, even religious arrogance, raise.
The agenda and message of the radical religious right sets people against each other by
manipulation and "put-down". We have had too much of that! It destroys the vision! It
claims to that in God's name. Those of us who have fought so hard and long in the
struggle for civil rights have to join with others and celebrate our diversity, not retreat into
the dark days of hatred which so many of us remember all too well. The challenges that
face our nation insist on it.
Actually, I regret that we must be here today. But as ministers and men and women of
faith, we have an obligation to our congregations, our communities and our own
consciences to speak out when messages of division, manipulation, distortion and injustice
are being preached.
The attempts of the radical religious right to court African-Americans is an insult to our
intelligence and an affront to our religious faith. The radical religious right tries to fan the
fears in our community by pushing their own political agenda in the name of "family
values". But their view of family is one that lets poor youngsters go hungry, keeps women
down and tries to tell people who disagree with them that they're not real Christians.
I pray for an affirmation of genuine religious values in American society, but my vision
includes people of all faiths, beliefs and persuasions. God loves us all! We will know
what is of God when it heals and helps and harmonizes life for everyone.
The Interfaith Alliance
1511
K Street, NW
Suite 738
Washington, D.C. 20005
202-639-6370
The
Interfaith
Alliance
Statement of Bishop P. Francis Murphy
July 14, 1994
Washington, D.C.
My name is Francis Murphy. I am Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic
Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Like my colleagues, I believe that one of our greatest strengths as a
nation is our religious diversity. This diversity has given us a rich
tradition of biblical insight and ethical reflection on the human
condition and the incomprehensible mystery of God. I am deeply
concerned that as a nation, we do not have a consistent ethic of life or
coherent set of moral principles and values that guide us as a people.
However, the radical right, in the name of true religion, has introduced
into the political debate a narrowness of view and a sense of
intolerance that divides rather than unites us as a people.
The great doctor of the Church, St. Augustine, commented on the human
tendency to make God in our own image when he said: "If you have
understood God then what you have understood is not God
Diversity is a primal law of the universe that is essential to life.
Diversity enriches our individual views and religious traditions. We
can become more complete if we learn to listen and find truth in the
belief that God's Spirit is given to all persons and lives in the hearts
of us all. This is the guiding principle of the Catholic Church
reaffirmed in the Second Vatican Council.
As I see it, the radical right is creating divisiveness and narrowness
of view on many complex religious and moral truths, rather than
enlightenment and understanding. It is adding to the pervasive sense of
despair and cynicism that works against any reaffirmation of community,
and against respect for persons of good will and intelligence who may
wish to dissent with civility and respect for each other.
I am happy to join my brothers and sisters of the Jewish, Christian and
other faiths in providing a public forum in our open society where all
voices, especially those of the poor and marginalized, can be heard. We
have made extraordinary advances in our ecumenical and interfaith
cooperation and dialogues in the past 25 years. We must seize this new
moment and energize ourselves to work together to bring a new level of
theological and intellectual insight to the millions of Americans who
are trying to make sense of their lives and desire a community of peace,
harmony, and non-violence. The men and women who make up The Interfaith
Alliance represent many religious traditions with many common beliefs.
We can help bring a new and more comprehensive perspective to the
dialogues that need to take place.
The Interfaith Alliance
1511 K Street, NW Suite 738 Washington, D.C. 20005 1 202-639-6370
Page Two - Bishop Murphy
In this critical moment, I am reminded of Pope Paul VI's statement about
the meaning of dialogue:
"In the dialogue, one discovers how different are the ways
which lead to the light of Faith, and how it is possible to
make them converge on the same goal. Even if the ways are
divergent, they can become complimentary by forcing our
reasoning process out of worn paths and by obliging it to
deepen its research, to find fresh expressions.'