Press release from the Clergy Leadership Network
Cleveland, OH – Hundreds of religious leaders from throughout the nation gathered in Cleveland this past week to call for change in the direction of our country and to challenge the Bush Administration’s misuse of religion for partisan political gain.
“George Bush’s rhetoric bears no resemblance to his actions. He talks of compassion, but his proposals harm poor families the most. He talks of personal integrity, but he lies about the reasons to go to war and hides the consequences of war. He talks of protecting Americans, but he cuts funding for police officers and fire fighters. Bush consistently soothes with his rhetoric, but then stings with his actions, and the American people deserve better,” said the Reverend Nathan Wilson, minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Wilmore KY.
The two day conference attracted over 300 clergy and lay leaders, primarily from the Christian, Jewish and Islamic faiths. The attendees worshipped and prayed together daily. They also participated in discussions led by experts on global security, international relations, job creation, environmental stewardship, heath care, education and poverty.
U.S. Senator John Edwards, D-NC, gave a rousing address to the group on the fiftieth anniversary of the landmark Brown v Board of Education decision. “The best way we can honor the Brown decision is to make this the year in which the promise of Brown is finally realized,” said Edwards.
Alluding to President Bush, Edwards said, “Leadership is more than nice words. Leadership is courage, and commitment, and action. It means doing everything we can to make equality a reality—not only in our laws, but in our lives, in communities where poverty and discrimination remain a scar on our nation.”
“What you and I and John Kerry believe is wherever you live, whoever your family is, and whatever the color of your skin is, if you are willing to work hard, you ought to be able to go as far as your God-given talents and hard work will take you. We believe in bringing them together. What we believe, what I believe, is that the family you're born into and the color of your skin in our America will never control what you're able to do.”
A panel of mayors discussed the harmful consequences of Bush Administration policies for U.S. cities. Mayor Jane Campbell of Cleveland stated, “This Administration has a reputation for disregarding the needs of our cities and those of us who make daily decisions on everything from the quality of our schools to the safety of our communities to the condition of our streets.”
“I’m the daughter of a minister and was raised in an environment of faith at home and at church. As mayor of a major city, I understand the role of faith in the decisions I make everyday. Opportunities such as this with people of faith give me hope and inspiration,” said Mayor Campbell.
The final day of the conference featured young and emerging leaders, including the co-director of 2020 Democrats, ministers from Detroit and Chicago and a seminarian from Lexington, Kentucky.
“Young adult leaders have been involved in every aspect of the Gathering,” said Wilson, himself a young adult. “From planning to promoting to presenting, the Clergy Network demonstrated that it values young and emerging leaders. Frankly, it is refreshing to see,” said Wilson.
Participants learned skills in media relations and basic community organizing to use in their local communities as the fall election approaches.
“We are ready to get in the game to make a difference,” said the Reverend Charles Bayer, a participant from Claremont, California. “Four more years of the current Administration would set our country back immeasurably.”
“While those of us present are following the election and realize how important it is, much of the electorate is yet to tune in. There will be lots of work for clergy and community leaders to do in order to overcome the harmful affects of the Bush Administration and begin moving our country forward again,” said the Reverend Brenda Bartella Peterson, executive director of the Network.
The Reverend Jesse Jackson delivered the final keynote for the Gathering. Jackson highlighted the importance of the next election as one step toward a more just America.
“Ours is a political struggle with corruption and oppressive power in high places. Our children’s sake, the sake of our brothers and sisters in this country and beyond, depend on our standing strong and working together,” said Jackson.
Participants committed to working for change in their local congregations and communities and the Clergy Network committed to being a helpful resource.
"This election year 2004 has become a critical time for those who care deeply for peace and justice in our world," said Dr. Albert Pennybacker, chief executive of the Network. "Why are we in Cleveland? Because we want to make it clear the religious community is not in the pocket of the present administration."
