Posted on 03/15/2006 9:42:16 AM PST by Dan Middleton
With praying, singing and plenty of applause, about 400 people launched an effort yesterday at First AME Zion Church on the Near East Side to counter what they see as divisiveness created by religious conservatives.
The clergy-led group, We Believe, says it will encourage voter turnout and try to give the less fortunate a voice in politics.
Its members say they will work to shape public policy but will adhere to Internal Revenue Service rules barring religious groups from supporting candidates or political parties.
The Rev. Timothy Ahrens, senior minister at First Congregational Church Downtown and a founder of We Believe, said the public ought to focus on poverty, education, health care and housing rather than "deeply divisive issues."
"Together, we will not tolerate policies and public officials which abandon the poor and divide this state any more."
The Rev. Mark Diemer, pastor of Grace of God Lutheran Church on the West Side, agreed that issues pushed by conservative religious leaders, such as homosexuality, abortion and stem-cell research, are important but lack consensus.
"What we have decided to do, through We Believe, is unite together on those issues we do agree on, those issues that are important and vital to Ohioans and our nation," he said.
We Believe began organizing last fall after successful election efforts by conservative Christian groups, led most notably in Ohio by the Revs. Rod Parsley, pastor of World Harvest Church on the South Side, and Russell Johnson, pastor of Fairfield Christian Church in Lancaster.
About 30 local clergy members have filed a complaint with the IRS, saying Parsley and Johnson have violated IRS rules, particularly in supporting J. Kenneth Blackwell, secretary of state and Republican gubernatorial candidate. The two have denied the allegation.
Parsley said yesterday that he won’t agree with We Believe supporters on such issues as abortion and gay marriage.
But he said he is willing to work with them on poverty and education, despite the IRS complaint.
"I don’t have any problem laying that aside and working with people who want to see what I want to see," he said.
We Believe has no role in the IRS action, but some of its supporters signed the complaint.
The Rev. Eric Brown, pastor of Woodland Christian Church on the East Side, said he doesn’t doubt the sincerity of supporters of Parsley and Johnson.
"But they only represent one spectrum of Christian faith and certainly only one spectrum of religious faith in general," he said. "There are other voices that need to be heard."
We Believe includes more than 100 Christian and Jewish clergy members.
Johnson said yesterday that he would welcome working with We Believe, providing "they make sure they stay tolerant of people who disagree with them.
"I would ask that they stand with us on behalf of the unborn. When I see them standing with conservatives on behalf of unborn children, I’ll know they’re serious about bringing an end to injustice. Until then, it’s just religious rhetoric."
Not that I'm much of a fan of Parsley.
I am always amazed at the "divisiveness" argument. It takes two to divide. If they would cave in and agree with us (as they seem to think we should do with them), then there would be no division. So the are the divisive ones. Agree with us and we will have unity.
I like this guy's approach. Put the ball back in their court.
They call themselves "We Believe" but what is it they believe? God is an ornament around their neck as they pursue their own glory and desires. One day they will bow their knees to Him. but today does not appear to be that day.
Indeed. We will be devisive. Many of us don't believe that "if it feels good, do it!"
Christianity isn't like a cafeteria serving line. The Ten Commandments really mean something and those that would throw brickbats at "conservative' Christians know deep down that these are rules God intended to be obeyed.
I guess, I'm pretty new to making an honest effort to follow local politics and issues and be more prepared at the ballot box for the "little things" rather than just the top executive and legilative positions. So I am having a hard time really getting prepared for the next ballot.
Also I'm finding myself with very little time for browsing free republic lately (or seeking out any other news sources). (illness in the family, homeschool end of year wrap up, etc.)
If any of you have a ping list for Ohio issues,I'd be interested.
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