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