Posted on 10/31/2006 5:59:38 PM PST by NormsRevenge
INDIANAPOLIS - The Rev. Al Sharpton criticized the Christian right Tuesday for focusing too much political discussion on abortion and same-sex marriage and said black churches must talk about fighting poverty, equal access to education and other social justice issues.
With comedian/activist Dick Gregory at his side, Sharpton also condemned Indiana's new voter ID law requiring people to present government-issued identification at the polls.
"We have been inundated in the faith community with bedroom sexual morality issues and not dealing with the broader moral issues of poverty, of injustice and of health care," Sharpton said at a news conference amid a two-day meeting of talks and revivals.
"We can no longer be misused by some in the Christian right that will not deal with the broader issue of injustice and fairness and inequity in our society," the 2004 Democratic presidential candidate said.
The Rev. Jeffrey Johnson, whose Eastern Star Church hosted the meeting, said the issues at stake in next Tuesday's election go beyond personal morality to broader questions.
"Why are half of our Afro-American boys not graduating from high school? Why is there 1.1 million more people in poverty over the past few years while we're talking about the better economy, and 11 percent of African-Americans are unemployed?" Johnson said.
Conservative Christian leaders said the problems Sharpton and Johnson cited were symptomatic of more fundamental ills.
"You've got to go beyond that and address the root causes, which is the breakdown of family and morality," said Tony Perkins, president of the Washington, D.C.-based Family Research Council.
Stable homes for children will lead to better education, higher social attainment and lower incarceration rates, Perkins said.
The Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson, a black conservative who leads the Los Angeles-based Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny, or BOND, said Sharpton was most concerned with Democrats regaining political power.
"Jobs and education — those things come when families are united," Peterson said.
Sharpton said his agenda was nonpartisan.
He also criticized Indiana's new voter ID law, which will be tested in a general election for the first time next Tuesday. He compared it to poll taxes and other barriers to voting that blacks have faced.
"Now we don't ask you, 'Did your granddaddy vote?' when you know your granddaddy was a slave. We ask you for identification that we know large percentages of you would not have, given the social circumstances beyond your control," Sharpton said.
The U.S. Census Bureau reported last March that only about 56 percent of blacks voted in the 2004 general election, compared with about 66 percent of whites. Among blacks who registered to vote but did not cast ballots, 7.2 percent cited registration problems.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana and Indiana Democrats have challenged the voter ID law before the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. No ruling is expected before next week's election.
The conference at Eastern Star Church was the third in a series this year by Sharpton's National Action Network, following gatherings last summer in Dallas and Augusta, Ga. The fourth begins Thursday in Detroit.
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On the Net:
National Action Network: http://www.nationalactionnetwork.net/
Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny: http://www.bondinfo.org/
The Rev. Al Sharpton answers a question during news conference held amid a two-day meeting intended to motivate black churchgoers to focus more on social justice issues in Indianapolis, Ind., Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2006. Sharpton, appearing alongside activist Dick Gregory, left, criticized the Christian right and said blacks need to move the national political debate away from bedroom issues and back to the social justice issues such as poverty and crime. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
I am proud to be among the people he "faults!"
I would be ashamed if I wasn't!
While it is true that we should care about the poor, there is no better way to care about them than with the gospel. That message includes the truth about sin. So there is no avoiding the confrontation on issues like abortion and homosexuality -- not if you are truly a Christian.
My guess is that the Rev's collections havent been too good lately. He needs to stir the suckers into dropping in the folding money.
This is a crock! There is NO BETTER way to "fight poverty and social justice issues" than low taxes, limited-government and a strong economy. That is EXACTLY what the real "Christian right" is all about.
Preaching "another gospel"
--Galatians 1:8-9
Don't you need an ID to get food stamps?
"He also criticized Indiana's new voter ID law, which will be tested in a general election for the first time next Tuesday. He compared it to poll taxes and other barriers to voting that blacks have faced."
Poll tax? WTH is he talking about?
Since when is providing a license or a photo ID so terrible? Doesn't he realize that the GOPers and all other voters have to show proof of ID, too?
Somebody needs to remind these "leaders" in the Black community that MLK Jr said that "Black babies mean Black votes."
In some states 50% of Black babies are aborted. Even the dims haven't figured out a way to make their votes "count."
In 1970, Blacks were 11% of the population, guess where they are now. Margaret Sanger would be proud.
Sharpton should invest in a lightning rod. He's a minister like I'm a master welder.
And Al--no one alive today has a "granddaddy who was a slave". Slavery ended 141 years ago.
LOL! What a fraud!
Al to Churches: "Stop talking about sins and start preaching more communism!"
That's right, Rev-keep em down on the plantation.
Christian news and commentary at: sacredscoop.com ...
Umm, because they don't want to? Because they don't think an education is important?
So who are you looking to blame, Mr. Sharpton? Nobody's forcing them to not graduate.
Lets cut the BS.
Inner city black political machines cheat on elections . Dead people vote early and often .
This is organized by the Dems and condoned by the media fags that feel cheating is OK and know that reps will be to scared to speak up lest they be called racist.
Well, that seals it. Time to talk alot more in the black churches about abortion and same-sex marriage. When the flak gets heaviest you know you're over the target.
Start with the fact that the whole Margaret Sanger-inspired NARAL, Planned Parenthood murderous scam was intended to wipe blacks from the face of the earth...
Well said.
Keep passing the collection plate>
Why? BECAUSE THE FAMILY STRUCTURE FELL APART - THANKS TO ALL THOSE 'BEDROOM ISSUES' YOU REFUSE TO TALK ABOUT!
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