After a bit of a hiatus, I am happy to announce that Faithful Democrats is back in action. Moving forward, I want to give thanks to our old readers who have found us again and to the new ones that are just now stumbling onto our site. In 2014, we hope to use Faithful Democrats to create a space for Christians and other people of faith to discuss, debate, and think deeply about progressive policy and ideals. Most of us... Read more
When people come together around a common cause, it gets noticed. Last Friday, the American Values Network (AVN), an organization seeking to encourage community and family values in America, launched a video of two children explaining why U.S. Senators should support the international Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). In under a week, the video has already racked up nearly 1 million views. And the press is taking notice, including stories from The Christian Post and Ecumenical News. Also see the versions... Read more
When the option is for U.S. Senators to keep company with pastors, military leaders, and humanitarians or Iran, Syria, and North Korea, the choice should be a no brainer. Read more
Co-authored by Bill Mefford, director of civil and human rights at the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Church & Society; and Sala Nolan Gonzales, minister for criminal justice and human rights at the United Church of Christ’s Justice & Witness Ministries. As Christians should know but often don’t, mass incarceration is one of our country’s greatest sins. With less than 5% of the world’s population, we house nearly 25% of the world’s prisoners — more than any other nation.... Read more
Core message: 750,000 jobs lost is not “a pittance.” How powerful leaders treat ordinary people says a lot about their values and priorities. Sure, the sequester’s no big deal if you’re a politician who only cares about donors who write the next campaign check — instead of your constituents living paycheck to paycheck. Unfortunately, Republican leaders in Congress like Sen. McConnell are dismissing the sequester as “modest” while others like Sen. Paul call it “a pittance.” House Republicans are even... Read more
Last week, Evangelical scholar and Christian ethicist David Gushee visited The University of Virginia to give two lectures. I attended the first – “Sacredness of Life,” which received its title from his latest book. If I recall, the poster advertising his visit said something along these lines. “Christian Ethicist David P. Gushee argues that culture wars and political polarization have misrepresented, obscured, and endangered one of the most precious legacies of Biblical faith – the sacredness of human life.” Hmm,... Read more
While efforts to reduce gun violence in the U.S. move forward, the international community is watching closely to see if NRA lobbyists once again seek to derail the Arms Trade Treaty when the U.N. negotiations resume next month. Here’s how to talk about the Treaty and hold its opponents accountable. Core Message When there are international laws for the sale of iPods and bananas but not AK-47s and grenade launchers, we’ve got a problem. The Arms Trade Treaty sets... Read more
Late Saturday morning, I was sitting in my favorite Charlottesville coffee shop with my dad and uncle. They were in town for a basketball game but we had a few hours to spare so I decided to show them one of my favorite places to work. Just before it was time to head to the arena, I noticed a section of The Times that someone had left evidently behind. Somewhat surprised that a real live newspaper was lying around in... Read more
President Obama vowed action on climate change in his historic inaugural speech warning that “the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations.” Here’s how to make the case for why and how we can tackle one the most pressing challenges facing humanity. Lead with Common Sense and Values There’s no longer any doubt we have a serious problem. Climate disruption is happening right here, right now; and it’s making weather disasters and record-breaking heat waves... Read more
Core Message: Congress chose to legalize the gun that killed the Newtown children. It’s time to make it right. Commonly Asked Questions: Q: Would closing the private sales loophole prevent private citizens from selling firearms? A: Yes, gun show loophole legislation allows for private sales to continue, so long as a background check is performed on the buyer. Q: Are guns that are commonly called assault weapons more dangerous than other firearms? A: Yes, assault weapons are designed to be more lethal than other firearms. Q:... Read more
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