Albuquerque Citizens Respond to "Justice Sunday," and Form Group to Combat Misuse of Religion

From Eric Elison:

Ecumenical Voices for Democracy Announces Its Formation

Events, which include the 2004 Presidential election, the Terry Schiavo case, Family Research Council’s “Justice Sunday,” and the intolerance exhibited by Kansas-based,  Rev. Fred Phelps, have convinced some New Mexico citizens of the need to take action. Today concerned Albuquerque citizens are announcing the formation of a non-profit group called Ecumenical Voices for Democracy.

The group has membership from varied walks of life, religious and political persuasions. Retired Ministers, High Tech Executives, Homemakers, and Small Business Owners, Catholics, Protestants,  Jews, Unitarians, and Agnostics make up its ranks.  The group is applying for non-profit status, and plans to hold a series of moderated panel discussions throughout the year. Group organizers have met and agreed on a Mission for their new group.

Retired Presbyterian Minister and group co-founder, Don Wales says, “It is the mission of Ecumenical Voices for Democracy to combat the misuse of Religion by encouraging a conversation that reflects Constitutional Values, promoting Human Worth, Individual Liberty and the Common Good.”

• The group’s strategy will be to use interpersonal communications and public forums to engender a civil discourse on religion and politics.

• Citizen’s interested in joining Ecumenical Voices for Democracy are encouraged to contact Tom Solomon at 856-1244, TASolomon@earthlink.net or Eric Elison at 271-0271, ericelison@comcast.net.

• The group is also establishing a website at www.Evoices.org.   

Contact: Eric Elison
Ecumenical Voices for Democracy
Phone 505-271-0271
5408 Camino Arbustos, NE
Albuquerque, NM 87111
www.Evoices.org

(Editor's Note: This afternoon's Albuquerque Tribune is scheduled to have a story on this written by reporter Joline Gutierrez-Kruger, with a follow-up next week.)