Ecumenical Voices for Democracy First Forum on Religion and Politics Set for Sunday in ABQ

Citizens take action to prevent misuse of religion in politics: Ecumenical Voices for Democracy, a group of New Mexico citizens organized to combat the misuse of religion in politics, is presenting its first forum on Religion and Politics, "The Use and Abuse of Religion in Politics." The event will take place on Sunday, May 22, at 2 PM at the TVI Main Campus, Smith-Brasher Hall Auditorium, corner of University and Coal in Albuquerque.

Have the Democrats ignored and alienated people of faith? Has the Republican Party misused religion and people of faith to gain power? The forum will utilize a panel composed of religious, academic, and civic leaders to discuss if there is a place for religion in politics, what it should be and how politicians should approach people of faith.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Reese Fullerton, a recognized expert in conflict resolution whose experience includes defusing conflicts in Beirut, Macedonia, and Northern Ireland.

Panel members for the forum include:

• Rev. Brian Taylor of St. Michaels of All Angels*
• Prof Rich Wood, Director of Religious Studies, UNM* 
• Rev. Curtis Brinkley, Assoc. Pastor Hoffmantown Church*
• Prof Andy Schultz, UNM School of Law, and ACLU Board Member*

(* Titles for identification purposes only.)

Ecumenical Voices for Democracy believes that its mission can best be achieved through a balanced dialogue and by exploring a broad range of topics. Future forums will focus on:

• Religion, Civil Rights and Individual Liberty
• Religion and the Sanctity of Life
• Poverty, Heath and Education Policy
• Religion's Role in Economic Justice, Labor Policy and International Trade 

The series will present quarterly, moderated forums. The format will include Opening Statements of fact and opinion expressed by panel members. Questions will then be posed by a moderator, and by members of the Audience. The forum will end with closing remarks by the panel members.

A reception will follow in which audience members are encouraged to engage in civil discourse with one another and panel members.