The Free Press: Speaking Truth to Power Tue Dec 02 2008
Departments
Ohio

Clergy for Blackwell troubling
by Eric McFadden
August 31, 2006

COLUMBUS, OHIO -- We Believe was troubled to learn that a group is being formed known as "Clergy for Blackwell" - troubled but not surprised. Spokesclergy for the group noted repeatedly that they are speaking "as persons, as individuals," that being a minister "doesn't take away my right as a private citizen." One might well ask - if one is asserting one's individual rights, why wave the clergy flag?

We Believe that individuals do have a right to support political candidates of their choice. Yet We Believe that clergy have a higher obligation to work for the values transmitted for centuries through diverse religious traditions. One might well ask, "What Would Jesus Do? What Would Moses Do? What Would Muhammad Do?" Would they support Kenneth Blackwell? Would they endorse candidates at all? Or would they demand of all candidates that they address the issues that are critical to God's people? Issues like poverty, jobs, access to health care, living wage, adequate housing.

That is the conversation that We Believe has been promoting in our community. We Believe has sought to meet with the gubernatorial candidates for a serious discussion of these life-saving issues. As announced last week, We Believe met with candidate Ted Strickland and had a frank and deep exchange regarding these issues. We Believe has also repeatedly asked to meet with candidate J. Kenneth Blackwell. We were initially rebuffed - told that the candidate had no time to meet with us - ever. When this was made public, Blackwell's spokesman said they would try to make time to meet with us "despite our criticism." We have resubmitted our request and have yet to hear affirmatively from Mr. Blackwell.

We Believe also seeks to meet with the Senate and Congressional candidates for a deep discussion of the issues of the day. We will NOT endorse any candidates - but we are prepared to share our insights based on these conversations.

We Believe that it is time for religious leaders to stop dividing the American people through supporting individual candidates. We Believe that it is time for religious leaders to dedicate ourselves and our country to accomplishing the universal tasks set for us by our prophets, our history, our leaders, and our Creator.

http://webelieveohio.org


Email this article to a friend




1240 Bryden Road Columbus, Ohio 43209 Ph/Fx 614.253.2571 Email truth@freepress.org
  

Don't forget to check out articles from 2007 and 2008

Ohio

"Strickland-Fisher inaugural committee announces details of swearing-in ceremony"
  December 18, 2006
  Allison Kolodziej

"George Voinovich is a liar"
  October 31, 2006
  Dave Lewis

"Cleveland Coast Guard hearing on firing ranges in the Great Lakes"
  October 23, 2006
  Lee Goodman, Citizens for Lake Safety

"Issue 3"
  October 22, 2006
  Dave Lewis, Despondent Correspondent, The Free Press

"Governors debates in Cincinnati - Report from the front lines"
  October 10, 2006
  Paddy Shaffer, Campaign Manager, Fitrakis for Governor

"Clergy for Blackwell troubling"
  August 31, 2006
  Eric McFadden

"Green Party candidate for Secretary of State files complaint"
  August 16, 2006
  Kettler for Secretary of State

"Carol Fisher released from jail"
  July 9, 2006
  World Can't Wait

"Aaron Russo's new film, America: From Freedom to Fascism"
  July 4, 2006
  Brian Bogart

"God's politics at the Statehouse: Ohio abortion hearing goes to Sunday school"
  July 2, 2006
  Marley Greiner

"Drexel gateway to host panel discussion featuring consultant on An Inconvenient Truth"
  June 18, 2006
  Drexel Theaters

"Make Blackwell tell"
  June 11, 2006
  Strickland for Governor

"Update on the case of Carol Fisher"
  June 6, 2006
  World Can't Wait

"Remembering Steve Conliff"
  June 6, 2006
  Ben Masel

"Judge McGinty threatens to send Carol Fisher to jail on June 2"
  June 2, 2006
  World Can't Wait--Drive Out the Bush Regime

"Judge orders World Can't Wait activist to jail psyche unit; Carol Fisher remains strong and unapologetic"
  May 15, 2006
  World Cant Wait, Cleveland

"Remarks prepared for Annual Free Press Awards Dinner"
  May 2, 2006
  Steve Conliff

"The League's primary election voter guide for Columbus, Ohio"
  April 27, 2006
  The League of Pissed-Off Voters

"Jim Wallis speaks in Columbus"
  March 30, 2006
  Free Press staff

""Not Guilty" says woman arrested after hanging anti-Bush posters"
  February 19, 2006
  Eric Resnick

"Columbus troopsoutnow.com report"
  January 26, 2006
  Jane Hubbard

"Gun owners officially endorse Grendell for Attorney General"
  January 24, 2006
  Corey Roblee

"Ohio legislative black caucus endorses Ted Strickland for Governor"
  January 20, 2006
  Jess Goode

"Representative Jim Trakas proudly accepts the Franklin County Republican Party Endorsement"
  January 12, 2006
   Citizens for Jim Trakas

"Strickland Leads Blackwell, Montgomery, and Petro"
  January 10, 2006
  Jess Goode




Read Articles by Year:
2007 2006 2005 2004
2003 2002 2001 2000




All content © 1970-2008
The Columbus Free Press
Disclaimer