A group of prominent African-American church leaders delivered a letter to Hillary Clinton on Monday calling on her to show them the same respect she shows “wealthy white donors.”
The letter, which is signed by 26 pastors and religious leaders, including Jacqueline Rivers of the Seymour Institute for Black Church and Policy Studies in Boston, states they’re concerned a Clinton presidency would mean their religious liberties would be under attack. In the letter, these leaders criticized Clinton for surrounding herself with individuals who are so hostile to religion.
“Key players on your staff have sought to subvert Catholic teaching on sexuality by planting externally funded groups in the church to advance a politically correct agenda,” the letter states, referring to an e-mail from Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta calling on Catholics to overthrow the church’s “middle ages dictatorship.”
“What would you do as president to guarantee that religious freedoms are balanced against civil rights rather than being trumped by them?” they asked Clinton.
The structural failures which stalk inner-city communities and promote nihilism and violence among our young men are a challenge to the courage and faith of the black church. As the primary institution of our neighborhoods, the church has the resources to minister to these young men both materially and spiritually, to give them hope in the future and a path to a new life. The work of the black church in our poor communities is of the utmost importance and the importance of our freedom to operate in accordance with our faith cannot be overstated.
These leaders are also concerned about the impact abortion, unemployment, and police killings of unarmed black men have on their community and they want to know what Hillary Clinton plans to do about these.
The letter urges Clinton to meet and discuss issues facing the black community within her first 100 days in office if she wins the election.
You can read a copy of the letter here.
