HICKORY, NC - Faith In America Executive Director Rev. Jimmy Creech issued the following statement in support of Rev. Reggie Longcrier's question that was aired today during the Democratic Presidential Candidate debate sponsored by CNN and YouTube.
"Tonight, Rev. Longcrier asked the right question and one that is on the minds of many Americans," said Rev. Creech.
The text of Rev. Longcrier's question is as follows: "I'm Rev. Reggie Longcrier, I'm the Pastor of Exodus Missionary Outreach Church in Hickory, North Carolina. Senator Edwards says his opposition to gay marriage is influenced by his Southern Baptist background. Most Americans agree it was wrong and unconstitutional to use religion to justify slavery and segregation and deny women the right to vote. So, why is it still acceptable to use religion to deny gay Americans their full and equal rights?"
"In answering Rev. Longcrier's question, Senator Edwards made an important commitment to not allow his personal religious beliefs to restrict the rights of any American," added Rev. Creech. "We congratulate him and encourage all leaders and candidates to give serious consideration to this issue and how they will represent the interests of this nation."
"Millions of gay Americans struggle every-day against the misuse of religion to perpetuate prejudice and inequality," said Creech. "These individuals don't just fight bigotry when they're denied the right to marry their partners, they combat it on the street, in the workplace, in their children's schools, and in every other aspect of their lives. Religion-based prejudices pervade and profoundly shape the daily experiences of these people and I'd like to commend my friend Rev. Longcrier for furthering the national dialogue for those and all Americas on this critically important subject."
Faith in America Inc. launched its "Five City Campaign" in May to educate Americans in early primary states about the misuse of religious teachings to discriminate and isolate gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people. Like Rev. Longcrier's question to the candidates, the campaign highlights the parallels between the historical precedents of religion-based bigotry and today's struggle for full and equal rights for gay individuals.
Rev. Longcrier has been a long-time supporter of Faith in America and has worked together with the organization on projects to end religion-based bigotry in North Carolina and throughout the country. To view Rev. Longcrier's submission on YouTube...
Faith in America seeks to end legal discrimination against GLBT people in America and to gain full and equal rights for those individuals. More information can be found at www.FaithInAmerica.com
