Paul Wilczynski's Observations

UUA President Challenges Senator Frist's Claims About Faith

Issued from the UUA Press Room:

For April 21, 2005

The Rev. William G. Sinkford, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, joined other religious leaders today in expressing deep concern at the attacks on religious liberty coming from Senator Majority Leader Bill Frist and the Family Research Council. Last week, Senator First agreed to take a leading role in the Family Research Council's "Justice Sunday" event, which defines a commitment to preserving the Senate filibuster as an attack "against people of faith."

"No one religious group or political party can ever hold a monopoly on spiritual conviction," said Rev. Sinkford. "In fact, political opinions vary widely even within particular faith communities. Within my own tradition, Unitarian Universalists experience diversity of opinion as a true blessing. Many different theological viewpoints are able to thrive within our congregations because we have agreed that we need not think alike to love alike."

Sinkford continued, "To claim that minority-party senators and their supporters are acting 'against people of faith' because they wish to preserve the Senate filibuster is an affront to millions of devout Americans."

"Senator Frist has crossed an important line in our American tradition," concluded Rev. Sinkford. "The Constitution wisely ensures that there are no religious tests for political offices. While private groups, including churches, have a guaranteed right to speak out on social issues, a democracy's highest elected leaders must hold themselves accountable to all of 'we, the people.' I believe that Senator Frist has a moral responsibility to declare unequivocally that the political views of the American people do not define the depth or quality of their faith. Our nation was founded on this inspired principle, and we imperil the precious freedoms of all our citizens when we cease to honor and protect the separation of church and state."

posted by Paul Wilczynski @ 12:36 PM