Statement of the Rev. William G. Sinkford for Religious Leaders Teleconference to Voice Concerns Regarding the Message of Justice Sunday II

Rev. Sinkford at the Washington Memorial in Washington, DC

It is important to understand that when we say "people of faith" in this country, we are talking about a wide spectrum of Americans who have many different beliefs and practices. The United States of America today has become the most religiously pluralistic society the world has ever known. Americans are not only Me thodists, but Mormons and Muslims; not only Baptists, but Buddhists and Baha'is.

Those of us speaking to you today believe strongly that no one religious group or political party can ever hold a monopoly on religious belief. No person or group can honestly claim to represent "the" single authentic faith perspective on a given issue. Americans of faith and good will differ on the issues facing our country today, but those differences should never be cause for questioning another's faith or patriotism.

People of deep faith can and DO disagree about political issues and about the application of religion in daily life. But to demonize those who disagree with us is at best misguided, and at worst, a cynical tactic to cloak a political agenda in the guise of religion.

We are concerned that the events planned by conservative groups in Nashville will continue to falsely claim to represent the only faithful perspective on the Roberts nomination. We affirm the right of any group to express its position on the issues of the day, but we will not remain silent when any group falsely claims to speak for all people of faith. There is no one "religious" position on the Roberts nomination, no one religious view on the future of the Court or the cases it will hear.

As president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, I know that political opinions vary widely even within individual faith communities. We 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.

I believe that America 's vision of justice is much broader and more inclusive than the one being offered by conservative religious groups. Our country's vision of justice is one of equality for all people, regardless of race, religion, or political perspective. We believe that the words "We the People" from our Constitution mean all people, not just those of a particular faith or party or political persuasion. As people of faith, we are called to witness for justice so that one day this vision will be a reality.

Press Inquiries: John Hurley, 617-948-6131, jhurley@uua.org

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