NCC, Reps. Rangel and Lewis to Hold “Great Voices of Faith” Forum at CBC Legislative Conference Sept. 10

What:

“Great Voices of Faith in a Time of Crisis,” an interfaith forum with prominent leaders from Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions to address some of the most serious problems facing the nation. Held as part of the 34th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference, religious leaders will speak candidly about the moral, social and economic crises facing America. Participants will receive resource materials and action items to take back to their communities.

Who:

Sponsored by the National Council of Churches USA, Congressman Charles Rangel (NY), and Congressman John Lewis (GA), this important and relevant event will feature leading voices in the faith community. Confirmed speakers include:

• The Rev. Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr.
Pastor, Metropolitan Baptist Church

• The Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar
General Secretary, National Council of Churches USA, Former Member of Congress

• Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr.
President, National Council of Churches USA, Bishop of the Fourth Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

• The Rev. Dr. Major L. Jemison
President, Progressive National Baptist Convention

• Rabbi David Saperstein
Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism

• Dr. Sayyid Muhammad Syeed
Secretary General, Islamic Society of North America

• Bishop Vashti McKenzie
Presiding Bishop, African Methodist Episcopal Church

When & Where:

9 a.m. to Noon Friday, September 10, 2004, Metropolitan Baptist Church, 1225 R Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

Why:

Poverty, lack of health care, substandard education system, racial injustice, terrorism, the war in Iraq, genocide in the Sudan and America’s dependence on oil are just a few of the issues challenging our communities.  Our nation is in dire need of the highest moral guidance as the world situation grows more perilous each day. This forum will provide an opportunity for those concerned about America’s future to hear words of wisdom and inspiration and be empowered to act by leaders who refuse to be silent at this critical time in our nation’s history.

Contact:

For more information, call Leslie Tune, National Council of Churches, (202) 297-2191 (cell) or (202) 544-2350, ext. 11