I have come to believe that one of the reasons why so many Catholic and mainline protestants are turning to the Republican party is that Democrats simply do not make a serious effort to reach out to faith communities.
Recently, my opponent was invited to attend a candidates forum at a local church. Only Republican candidates were invited to attend. This prompted some soul-searching on how to respond. Ultimately, I chose not to respond directly after I learned that only three people showed up, and that a similar event by a Republican gubernatorial candidate at another church met with similar dismal attendance.
One of the nice things about running for public office is that I can choose how I want to communicate with voters. Finally, I decided that it's important to remind folks that for many of us, Christian values ARE Democratic values. This prompted me to buy an insert in a Christian newspaper that is widely circulated in my community. Go below the fold for copy from the ad:
... Churches have played a leading role in every great social movement in this country over the last 150 years.
The civil rights movement of the 1950's and 60's was born in southern churches; Protestant and Catholic churches in the northeast were at the center of the movements that led to the abolition of slavery, helped create the 40-hour work week, child labor laws, and helped secure the right to vote for women.
For many Americans, it is our faith that leads us to a commitment to the common good. Christ's admonition, "whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me" demands that we be concerned for the poor and vulnerable; that we work to promote unity over division; that our public policy reflect concerns for future generations, and that we act as stewards of God's creation.
In the book of James, the prophet says, "I will see your faith through your works." I would ask you to hold that thought in your mind while you consider the following:
- Nearly 1 in 5 Oregon children currently lives in poverty.
- In 2003 and 2004, more than 600,000 Oregonians went without health insurance for more than a full year.
- Out of state corporations operating in Oregon enjoy the lowest tax rate in America while our citizens pay among the highest payroll taxes in America.
I believe that our legislature can do better for all Oregonians, and that's why I'm asking for your support in my bid for public office.
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