Religious Leaders to Debate 'God in the Public Square'; Panel to Discuss Ten Commandments Displays

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Religious Leaders to Debate 'God in the Public Square'; Panel to Discuss Ten Commandments Displays, Pledge of Allegiance, Other Issues

1/16/04 8:00:00 AM

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To: Assignment Desk, Daybook Editor

Contact: Dane Rose of the National Clergy Council, 202-546-8329 or DaneRose@FaithandAction.org

News Advisory:

WHAT: Panel Discussion, "God in the Public Square -- Where Do We Go from Here?" Sponsored by The National Clergy Council

WHEN: Jan. 21, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

WHERE: Marriott Key Bridge, Georgetown A and B Rooms, 1401 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22209

PANELISTS:

-- The Rev. Barry Lynn, J.D., executive director, Americans United for Separation of Church and State

-- The Rev. Patrick Mahoney, director, Christian Defense Coalition

-- David New, Constitutional attorney and author

-- Joseph Grieboski, founder and president, Institute on Religion and Public Policy

-- John Giles, president, Christian Coalition of Alabama

-- Jay Brent Walker, executive director, Baptist Joint Committee

MODERATOR:

The Rev. Rob Schenck, president, National Clergy Council

RESPONDENTS:

-- The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Johnson, president, Adams County (Ohio) for the Ten Commandments Committee

-- The Rev. Dr. Phil Fulton, member, Adams County (Ohio) Ministerial Association

-- Dr. John Eidsmoe, professor of law, Samford University and author, "God and Government"

-- The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Barney, New Antioch Baptist Church, Randallstown, MD

-- The Rev. Jim Phillips Ph.D (cand.), director, Spirit of Mercy and Restoration Ministry, Peoria, Ill.

The National Clergy Council, representing church leaders from Catholic, Evangelical, Orthodox and Protestant traditions, was formed in 1989 and has maintained an office on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, since 1994. Its mission is to "Bring classical Christian moral instruction into the conversation and debate surrounding public policy."

For all questions, please contact Dane Rose at 202-546-8329 or e-mail: DaneRose@FaithandAction.org

[steplock]

"Religious Leaders" ...

Why does the word "Pharisees" come to mind?


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[kritikos]

I believe your reaction is natural ("Why does the word 'Pharisees' come to mind?") in today's secularist climate. However, I know at least one of the panelists stands for righteousness and Biblical truth.

John Eidsmoe is a spokesperson well qualified to speak on these issues. He has his M.A. from Dallas Theological Seminary, his M.Div from Lutheran Brethren Seminary, and a law degree from University of Iowa.

In his book: God and Caesar-Christian Faith and Political Action (1984 Crossway Books) he wrote:
"...let us never forget that while reforming society is part of our calling as Christians, it is not a means of salvation. Personal trust in the Lord Jesus Christ is first and foundational. Social action is a result thereof, not a means thereto.
"And finally let us honor Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives, Lord of our minds, and Lord of our thoughts. Let his Word be the standard by which we judge." (p. 229)
Should be an interesting debate.