Interfaith Alliance President Welton Gaddy has written a letter to all announced presidential candidates, including President Obama, asking them to refrain from using faith as a political wedge and campaign tool.
Political campaigns are about presenting real solutions to real problems, not engaging in a “holier than thou” competition that does nothing to illuminate those solutions. I hope that, if elected, you would uphold the religious freedom of all Americans to believe in or to reject any religious faith, as they choose. This freedom is an integral part of American democracy and promised by the First Amendment to our Constitution. I urge you to ensure that the remainder of your campaign is focused on the policy issues which distinguish you as a candidate.
Reverend Gaddy is right. Voices like his and the BJC's should ring out loud and clear on this issue as we approach the crazy election days to come. Sadly, though, there's not much stopping campaigns. We can make the clearest argument, explain how religion is harmed, and how millions of voters will be offended by their divisive tactics. Still, some will choose to use fear – questioning a competitor's faith, preying on voters' discomfort with religious minorities, insisting their own strong faith qualifies them.
All we can do is be as loud and consistent as we can in rejecting these efforts, calling candidates out when they use them, and reminding all that there are lots of Americans of faith who don't want to see that kind of campaign. I'll be here doing just that. Stay tuned.
