From Walter Cronkite ....

[H2O Man]

I got a letter from Walter Cronkite, along with information about a group he supports called the Interfaith Alliance. I think that it is something that should be of interest to theists from the democratic left. I am addressing this thread towards theists who are concerned with the threats to our constitutional democracy that are posed by the extremists on the right.

His letter reads, in part: "...I am deeply disturbed by the dangerous and growing influence of people like Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell on our nation's political leaders. Especially after Robertson and Falwell both shamefully blamed America's courts and the highest levels of our government for the horrific September 11 attacks on our nation. They said it happened because we 'insulted God.' Falwell went on to blame feminists, pro-choice Americans and other groups he despises

"Like you, I understand that freedom of speech is a founding principle of our nation, and I respect people with the courage to speak their minds.

"As a concerned person of faith, however, I have watched with increasing alarm as the Christian Coalition and other Religious Right groups manipulate religion to further their intolerant, political agendas.

"Over the years, Robertson and Falwell have gained considerable influence on local school boards, in the administration, and in Congress. They have shrewdly twisted the traditional healing role of religion into an intolerant, political platform. ....

"It is time we challenge those who equate religious beliefs with partisan politics, and if you agree, there is something you can do about it today."

Cronkite is an advocate of the Interfaith Alliance, which is a grassroots, non-partisan organization of people from over 70 religious traditions. It is working full-time to challenge the political-religious-cultural extremism of the Religious Right.

Groups like the Christian Coalition have millions of members. The Interfaith Alliance now has about 150,000. In order to have more influence within the halls of Congress, and in the city & town halls across the country, it needs more members. Numbers count. And, of course, money is needed.

The group works to: mobilize citizens to counter the influence of the religious right; defend the rights of minority religions; lobby congress on key issues; expose religious political extremism; support the Constitutional separation of church and state; and challenge hate crimes motivated by religious bigotry.

Their address is: 1331 H Street, NW; 11th Floor; Washington, DC 20005. Also see: www.interfaithalliance.org

[LongTomH]

1. Link:

Do you have a link to the Cronkite letter on the website?

[H2O Man]

3. No.

I just got it in the mail. I haven't even visited the site yet, as I'm just reading through the packet I got in the mail.

[H2O Man]

2. Statements to consider fighting:

" will not adopt 'inclusive' policies to accept other religious teachings." - Jerry Falwell

""I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle.... I point the finger in their face and say, 'you helped this happen.' " - Jerry Falwell, speaking about 9-11 on the 700 Club

"You say you're supposed to be nice to the Episcopalians and the Presbyterians and the Methodists and this, that, and the other thing. Nonsense. I don't have to be nice to the spirit of the Antichrist."
- Pat Robertson

"The feminist agenda is not about equal rights for women. It is about a socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians." - Pat Robertson

"Our goal is a Christian nation. We have a bibical duty, we are called by God to conquer this country. We don't want equal time. We don't want pluralism." - Randall Terry

[Tux]

6. OK

"You say you're supposed to be nice to the Episcopalians and the Presbyterians and the Methodists and this, that, and the other thing. Nonsense. I don't have to be nice to the spirit of the Antichrist."
- Pat Robertson

Is it just me but I thought he controled the Methodists, Presbyterians, and Episcoplians. Oh well. My fav is:"The feminist agenda is not about equal rights for women. It is about a socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians." - Pat Robertson Appeal to the lower common denominator much? I have an anger problem but damn, this guy really works the emotions of people.

I think the conservatives run on emotion more than rational thought. Or any thought.

[supernova]

10. No, he doesn't

Pat Robertson doesn't belive us Presbys, the Methodists and the Episcopalians, are true xtains.

These three denoms are considered "mainline," traditional denoms are definitely on his hit list. Why, you ask?

Anyone who isn't a fundamentalist is on his hit list. Presby USA, Methodists, and certainly not Episcopal folks are not fundamentalists. As a group, we don't view the bible literally, think evolution is hunky dory, ordain women, have taken great pains to keep up with the times and reform our faith accordingly. This is why Pat hates us.

He hates us every bit as much as he hates athiests and followers of other spiritual paths.

[H2O Man]

11. Still

if you were to send old Pat a cash contribution, he would stash it with the money he's raised from his "true followers."

[supernova]

12. He would do the same from you H20 Man

He only cares about the green.

[H2O Man]

13. Absolutely.

His god is found in a cash register.

[indepat]

4. I have long proffered Jerry & Pat are the embodiment of the anti-Christ

with possibly a few more of their ilk included.

[H2O Man]

7. I'd agree .....

They do the work of satan.

[Missy M]

5. It's about time people like Walter Cronkite start speaking up...

they have remained silent too long and much damage has been done.

[H2O Man]

8. I think it is

a shared responsibility.

[H2O Man]

9. "Who we are".....

"Our 150,000 members across the nation represent diverse religious and spiritual traditions -- Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindues, Buddhists, Sikhs -- 70 faith traditions in all, as well as many Agnostics and Atheists. In Washington, DC, our national office works on Capital Hill and with the White House, in coalition with denominational bodies and other activist organizations to make sure our unique message is communicated when and where it matters the most. Our 47 local Alliances are active in their communities on local issues, carrying The Interfaith Alliance message to decision makers, the media, and the public at large."