As many of you know, we are fewer than 60 days away from an incredibly important presidential election. Here in KC, a number of us, as clergy, have organized to make our voices heard, and be influential throughout our city, state, and beyond. We’ve crafted this statement, and we want to gather as many clergy in support of it as possible.
We are compiling a list of clergy supporters, which will be used on a blog, other electronic, “viral” venues, and will be used in a newspaper ad in the KC star.
This is NOT an endorsement from the pulpit. You are speaking for yourself, out of your faith and other commitments.
My wife, Barbara, and I wholeheartedly support Barack Obama and Clergy for Obama.
America desperately nees the vision, hope, and integrity Barack and Michelle are bringing to our beleaguered country.
I totally endorse Senator Obama’s vision for the future of this great country. Enough is enough. Barack the vote!
Sen Obama offers a hope and promise that is fully consistent with our faith as people who recognize the intrinsic dignity of each human person. Let us take back the mantle of faith from those who have tried to hijack the religious message with warmongering, fear-based politics, lies, and smear. Now is the time.
Enough!!! As a retired member of the military and a clergy member, I say our country is on the precipice of totalitarianism and disaster. I am distrustful of Democrats who “took impeachment off the table.” Thus, no accountability!!! Nonetheless, my last hope is this election for Obama. He reminds me so much of Bobby Kennedy. We’ll see if this country is stupid enough (as it has been) to put Repugs back at the controls…
At no time during my 63 years has the choice been clearer, if we are to truly live out our constitution with any integrity and stop this slippery slide into fascism.
May God instill clarity, humility and conscious in our national leaders, so that they not be seduced by the trappings of power and privilege.
I am so glad that we have before us a true choice as a nation – a choice that includes Barack Obama! I trust that he will bring a new paradigm to leadership in the United States.
The current financial crisis has many roots, but fighting a war on two fronts while giving tax breaks to the richest citizens certainly have to contribute significantly to it. I support Senator Obama’s vision of a country where hope and cooperation replace cynicism and divisiveness. His vision of America for all Americans and America’s return to world leadership ethically, morally and spiritually can bring inspiration to all people. His recognition of the value of every person on the planet, regardless of any of the existing categories into which people are often challenges me to live that way each day. Let’s get going to make this vision a reality.
I am a retired United Methodist Pastor, sincerly supporting Obama!
I am a Seminarian and serve a church in Oklahoma, I am supporting Obama!
Although the local church I serve is by no means clear in its Presidential choice, I am. I speak as a clergyperson and concerned American that thinks it is time…to look ahead and not back…to make compassion a government virtue once again…a progressive patriot sick and tired of pseudo-religious types hiding behind the flag…a follower of Jesus in a long line that includes the poor and disenfranchised…and one who hopes for a better day in our nation.
Peace
I’m a whole-hearted Obama supporter. I would ask that you change “denomination” to “affiliation” to be more truly interfaith…
Thanks
This is probably the most important election in our lifetime – be we in our 20s or 90s. We must not let this one get away.
I think it is very important that clergy make public use of their voice. I am endorsing Senator Barak Obama for President
The importance of this election is huge. We can’t sit by and think other folk will get Obama elected.
We need Obama and an Obama administration to give a new direction to our country — in both domestic and foreign policy.
Senator Obama is the best person to restore integrity to our country, help heal the fractured economy, create a reasonable peace, mend broken bonds with our sisters and brothers in other nations in whose eyes we have failed as a responsible member of the global community, and lead us in doing our full part as Americans in reversing the damage we have caused Planet Earth and her children. The thought of these things not happening is unthinkable, which is why he and Senator Biden are the only logical choices for new leadership.
I absolutely support Senator Obama and believe that his vision for this nation is what we need to pull ourselves out of the mess we are in today. I was moved by his address to the Democratic National Convention in Boston four years ago and believe he brings the hope and vision that this country so desperately needs. He should be our next president!
As the mother of two sons who chose the path of military service, I care deeply who is Commander in Chief. I am supporting Barack Obama and the Obama/Biden campaign because I believe their leadership is our best hope for making decisions that affect all of us.
As a feminist who broke a few stained glass ceilings in the 1970’s, I care deeply about opportunities and choices for women, and I believe that Obama/Biden will represent us all and not take away our freedoms.
As a minister who doesn’t have much time or money to spare, I’m supporting Obama with both this fall, because there is no other time.
I am convinced that Barak Obama is the person we need at this time of crisis to lead our nation. He is a uniter, one who works with folks from the bottom up instead of the top down. He is for all Americans and will seek justice and peace.
This is probably the most critical election I have ever participated in during my lifetime. Let’s join Barak Obama and make a change that will bring back the integrity of our government and command resspecit at home and abroad.
Charlie McNutt
Retired Episcopal Bishop
I’m a retired United Methodist Clergyman and Professor. Obama and Biden stand for inclusion, reconciliation and justice. They are the hope for our time.
My husband, Tom Schmidt, and I are wholeheartedly supporting Obama. Tom is actively calling and canvassing, and I do what I can. This is a critical election. My first Presidential election, I voted for John F. Kennedy. This is the only time since then I have been really excited about a candidate!
I am the minister at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Festus, Missouri.
NEITHER MAJOR CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT CAN MEASURE UP TO ALL THE CHALLENGES. BUT WHO IS BEST SUITED? FOR ME,NO QUESTION. IT IS OBAMA….
Okay so we signed our name supporting Obama. Now, each of us needs to do something: write a Letter to the Editor; contact a relative or friend in one of the key states that will decide the election and encourage them to be sure to vote and encourage their neighbors to do the same; send a few $’s to the Obama campaign, etc. Let us back up our signatures with some concrete action! Peace and Hope
The issues which are key for me in this election include the current financial crisis and its impact on the already worrisome economic situation in this country in which the working poor are carrying the heaviest burden; changing the course of a cavalier and irresponsible foreign policy that has resulted in much needless death and destruction; working toward affordable healthcare for all; civil rights for all; equal pay for equal work; and others. These are issues of justice. Hope for a world where justice and peace prevail is a faith conviction for me. The source of my conviction is neither the Democratic Party nor the Republican Party. The source of my conviction is the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus, which I believe are incompatible with imperial ambition. I am signing on in support of Barak Obama and Joe Biden not as a representative of any particular church, but only as myself as a Christian because I believe they have offered the best vision and plan to work towards a more equitable, responsible, and just society. But it will take more than just good political leaders to work toward this vision; it will take all of us.
Vote for Barak Obama for President of the United States of America!
I support Barack Obama not as the spiritual leader of a dynamic congregation in Center City Philadelphia. I am fired up as a fellow citizen and eager participant in the democratic process.
My views, my words, my actions speak for myself:
* Barack Obama will end this war;
* he will continue to transform the image of our beloved country;
* he will create green-jobs and carry our economy into the 21st century;
* he will preserve the liberties of all citizens;
* he will be known as one of the greatest leaders in American history… and you we will have participated in making that possible.
Yes, we can!
In hope,
Rev. Nate Walker
Philadelphia, PA
Yes, I agree that we need Obama and an Obama administration to give a new direction to our country — in both domestic and foreign policy.
I have not been as excited about a candidate for the Presidency of the United States since the days of Robert F. Kennedy as I am now for Barak Obama. It has been a long time since we have had intelligent, inspirational, and motivational leadership in that office. I am particularly concerned about the wide discrepancy in income between the top 2% of the population and the rest of us, especially those below the poverty line. A revamping of the tax code along the lines Obama envisions would be a good start. National Health Care is my other concern. We all know we need to do something about that. There are options out there. It will take inspirational and motivational leadership that turns this issue into an ADVENTURE to get us un-stuck on this. Obama gives us our best chance—and Yes, we can.
I am a United Methodist minister, and I say “Yes, we can!”
As a Roman Catholic who is 100% pro-life, I am tired of the Republican hypocrisy of hiding behind Roe vs. Wade as the only way to fight the scourge of abortion. There are other, more productive and helpful ways to be pro-life; universal health care, which includes perinatal care is foremost among them. One can’t be pro-life and cut back on social programs while denying health care. Doing so forces a poor, pregnant woman into an abortion clinic, often against her will. Enough is enough. The Republicans have had 35 years to roll back Roe vs. Wade if that is what they wanted to do, but that is what they don’t want to do. They have used abortion today as the ancient Romans used bread and circuses. The GOP/Bushies/McCainites know full well that the minute they overturn Roe vs. Wade, is the minute they lose their political base. Abortions went down under Clinton and up under Bush. If one is really pro-life, one will vote for Barack Obama. Yes, we can!
I support Senator Barack Obama in his bid to become the President of the United States. Mr. Obama does “get it” and is interested in healing and wholeness for our nation – utilizing the power of the government – not in spite of our government.
I am 83 years old, a veteran of US Navy, 1943-45, part of Brokaw’s “Greatest Generation”, and retired United Methodist pastor and theological educator. My sense of connection with Senator Barack Obama is driven by the world view we share, born of the Gospel, rather than of the militarism that has dominated so much of the past century. My wife, Dona Lou Imler, joins me in full support of electing Obama president in this critical time.
While an utterly social progressive, I have claimed to be a fiscal conservative and have been a life long registered Republican. But notihing is impossible with God. There is still more light to be shed through God’s Word and in fact light has dawned on this marble head. I find myself so blessed to have finally discerned that I can no longer play on that field any longer and that truth has set me free. I cannot support the hate, the smug holier-than-thou attitudes and the divisive approach from the GOP – and feel called to seek reconciliation, dialogue and an alterntive approach to life, government, culture and relationships. There is no place without Grace – and I am convinced that Obama will teach us and lead us accordingly. Naive? Maybe – but this has to be better than hate.
A colleague just sent me an article by Jim Wallis about the current economic crisis as it relates to our faith and fear and greed. He says: “It’s time for the pulpit to speak …” And so it is. And so I must. As a good separation-of-church-and-state Baptist, I have hesitated to sign on to something like this but the need for a change — not just in our politics but in our national character — compels me to sign on as a clergy person for Obama. Along with this, I offer my commitment to pray for an America that does justice, loves mercy, and walks humbly with its varied expressions of faith.
I am energized by the hope Democratic Candidate Barack Obama has already brought to our nation by so many facets of his identity. If light drives out darkness, then I am trusting the message of HOPE will overpower the dogma of HATE.
I pray that Christians will think critically to determine which candidate is more closely representing Jesus Christ in caring about the needs of the vulnerable and moving towards a more equitable economy, instead of the gross, unjust disparity between rich and poor which currently defines us.
I see Obama addressing these issues of the vulnerable of our society: those living alone (whether single or widowed/widower), orphans (whether parents are absent, abusive, or deceased), outcasts, foreigners, and last (but not in his priorities), the poor (whether economically, educationally, health-wise, or in opportunities).
How refreshing it would be to have a national leader who is articulate, intelligent and inspiring. What could be more rousing for patriotism than a Commander-in-Chief who guides us in caring for EVERY citizen?
Our nation is at a critical juncture. This election is important.
I am a United Methodist Minister in a church of over 4000 members,as well as a professional musician/composer. This is my first election to ever vote as a registered Democrat…long overdue, but not too late.
As a pastor who has previously served in the Republic of South Korea and the Philippines, I am appalled at what the present administration has done to our reputation in the world. I am whole-heartedly supporting Obama as President of the United States.
I am fully support Senator Barack Obama to be the President of the United States. I believe he understand the people and he is not out of touch, he can bring change to this country by walking beside the people, not over them. Sweet words can be misslead but attitude and personality are beyond words.
This past January we traveled to Des Moines (from Texas) to observe the Iowa Caucus. We attended the Obama rally on caucus night. It was an amazing experience to (literally) feel the political climate begin to shift.
We stand at a critical crossroads in our country’s history, and I am hopeful that we can once again vote our hopes rather than our fears and bring our beloved country into a new and promising future.
Yes we can!
To echo the great song writer – It’s time to make a change, what is the world coming to seems like people are running from the truth, it’s time to stand up and fight, walk into the light we can do it we try and Obama is willing, ready, and able to lead the way as our the next president of the United States of America. So get on board, because Yes we can do it!
Barack Obama is the most inspiring leader to have been nominated by Democrats in 36 years. He could win if he rejects the advice of media and Democratic Party pollsters and hacks to “move to the center” and prove how responsible he is in terms of not threatening the militarism that led us into Iraq or the selfishness that has generated the meltdown of our financial and insurance industries. I hope that fellow clergy will read my explanation of why he is not winning by a landslide which appeared on Sept. 19 on Huffington Post, and encourage others to read it and get the message to Obama.
–Rabbi Michael Lerner
Chair, the interfaith Network of Spiritual Progressives
Editor, Tikkun Magazine
RabbiLerner@Tikkun.org
In over 60 years of ministry, I have never known a more critical time than we are now experiencing in our nation and in our world. It seems that our current president has turned longtime friends into skeptical enemies throughout the world. His decisions have made it very difficult for many Americans to have respect and honor for the office of president. We must do all we can to elect Obama !! Then we must hold him in our prayers for world peace.
please encourage your friends to join us.
Preston C. Brown
Obama’s vision of public education restores our commitment to an American tradition of educating citizens of a democracy. One meaning of the word “redemption” is “to purchase back that which has been sold into slavery”. We need this kind of redemptive work in every classroom, on behalf of every child whose future has been sold out, auctioned off and indentured by a culture of consumption.
Count me in as a supporter of Barach Obama for president, of course.
I just read a study conducted by Stanford University which documents that it is racism that is preventing Obama from leaping forward in this tight race. This revelation should not be a surprise, but there is no more believing the statement, “It is not his race.” It is. We as clergy need to raise this tragic sin that we, white folk, can’t rid ourselves because we are not willing to face the truth about ourselves and therefore we can’t change. “The truth will set us free.” It is time for truth-telling.
Rev. Margie King Saphier
Unitarian Universalist minister, Concord, MA
I am solidly behind Obama. One of the persistent contentions of the Republican opposition is that he does not have the experience necessary. Thst is why I would vote for him. If experience means he is ‘on the inside’ of Washinfton politics, it may be good to have a Prresident who is not beholden to anyone, has no political debts on his back.
Let’s restore integrity to this office once again!
I’ve been interested in Obama since reading both his books in 2004.
I heard him speak in Omaha on February 7, 2008 and became a committed supporter that evening.
I am a retired United Methodist pastor and urge all folks to support the Obama/Biden ticket!
We need responsbile, ethical leadership in the United States and Obama offers it. We stand at critical junctures for the financial markets, healthcare, and foreign affairs. The average working American’s voice has been lost and its time to be heard again. Its time for change.
I am excited about the idea of a President who inspires me, and who can rebuild our nation’s tattered reputation around the world. We need a President who will take away the tax cuts for the super-rich and begin to narrow the huge gap between the rich and the poor in this nation. Our nation’s confidence needs to be rebuilt with assertive and inspiring leadership. Barak Obama has this vision and we need him as our next President.
My wife and I have supported Obama for 2 1/2 years… working, organizing, and giving $$… time is running out and we much all put our shoe rubber to the road to get out the vote for him. Get it done NOW before we have another 4 or 8 or 12 years of disaster.
Words are powerful. it seems people make fun of this lately, but having seen how words have been used to mislead and manipulate the public I think we should all realize how powerful words can be. I support Barack Obama 100% because his words inspire folks to expect better, to live better and to recognize the power of community.
Since I believe in the power of righteous community, how could I not support the candidate who empowers the people in the creation of community? I am also concerned that the United States has turned its back on the poor and vulnerable, creating instead a welfare state for the wealthy, and believe that Obama is our best hope to turn away from this sin.
We all must put our best efforts forward to make this necessary change happen. We all must look forward taking note of the past.
We must support hope, not fear; celebrate the future as well as the past; and bring back the concept of public good!
As someone who met Barack and Michelle Obama when I moved to Chicago 9 years ago, I can testify that they are the real deal. Senator Obama is smart and will surround himself with smart, thoughtful, experienced people. He has not forgetten who he is and whose he is and where he came from. He will do everything he can to make sure that America works for all of us.
Eight years of stupidity is more than enough!
I look forward to having a president who is articulate, bright, knowledeable, discerning, compassionate, capable, reasonable, reliable, and trustworthy. In other words, I look forward to having Senator Barak Obama as our president. May it be so…
I support Barack Obama because I trust him, over the other candidates, to do what he can to help the poor and needy, those on the margins of our society. I think he will take the many threats to the environment seriously, practice good stewarship of the earth, and not allow big business to make money at the expense of the creation. We need HOPE, I need hope.
I am thrilled that a candidate such as Obama has been raised up in our midst. We sorely need the leadership he offers. I think Lincoln would be delighted that such a candidate came from his home state!
As a United Church of Christ clergyperson, I fully support Barack Obama’s candidacy. His intelligence and reasoned approach to solving our nation’s many problems, his understanding of the larger world, his message of hope and call to realize our national potential for good give me hope for a better tomorrow.
Yes , I am supporting Barack-And I am rocking the VOTE!!!
He has had my vote from the beginning.
Enough is enough of lies, deceit, and exploitation of the people, particularly the poor and even the middle class. We need change and not the McBush and (God forbid) Palin type.
I support Obama/Biden as best for the future of our country and world.
I enthusiasticly support Obama/Biden as the best team for the hope of our country and for the world.
No politician can save us. That said, we are called to participate in whatever way we can to care for the most vulnerable in our society. I think that Obama/Biden is the right team to do that and they will receive my vote.
We are constantly in the midst of change and transitions, and I believe in Barack Obama’s core values are those that will have the integrity and the leadership skills to keep in his consideration those outside the “inner circle” – women, children, families, those whose voices often get muffled or muzzled by the power groups.
I believe he bring new possibilities and new opportunities where others have allowed human services, education, economics to become stagnant or shredded or so watered down that life that brings a new vision has become dimmed.
I am Miriam Madison,Commissioned Lay Pastor. I support Barack. The time has come for all of us to stand up and be counted.
America is not all that it should be, but thank God it is not what it used to be. God bless America and Barack.
For anyone who acknowledges that he or she is a “Progressive Christian,” not bound by old ways, old traditions, old images of God or ministry, old cultural cliches, or old language patterns, Obama is the most Christian alternative in our Presidential election in 2008.
So, let’s listen to, and follow, the calling to “make it happen.” Our country, and the world, will be better if we do.
Blessings!
There is no doubt in my mind that Obama has the intelligence, character, compassion and judgment to lead this country into the future. Also, all of the above!
Hello,
The church that I serve is in rural Casco, Maine, in the Lakes Region area. The Casco Village Church, United Church of Christ is an open nad affirming church of about 180 members, and we have a large pantry to feed many families who come every month, a clothes closet open twice a week, and we do our best to respond to the fuel needs of our community and beyond. The needs, though, are great here. We need help and we need hope. We need community spirit. My husband and I are liscensed foster parents as well and last year we had four siblings living with us and our youngest son, now a senior in high school. There have been serious cutbacks in the funding in the Department of Health and Human Resourses for Foster familes. If the four teenagers we had did not have a new chance in life I can assure you the two girls would be on state aid and pregnant, and the young man would be in jail for drugs– and being paid for by the taxpayers. Instead he is in the Army Natioanl Guard and has already completed bootcamp – now finishing his senior year in High school. There are serious problems with the way we are spending money and it has nothing to do with the quality of life for the people. We need a new face and a new voice in office. We need Obama.
Peace to all, The Reverend Joyce A. Long
I support Obama’s leadership and hope for his visionary leadership for our country.
This individual–and pastor–speaks with parishioners about the volunteer work done led by a Community Organizer. We speak of the injustice to and suffering of the outsourced, the underpaid, the unemployed. It is imperative for the social, economic and political health of the nation that Barak Obama be elected so that his vision will keep us from perishing.
I believe Barack Obama represents the best of progressive and compassionate Christianity. His passion is to help the average citizen instead of only those with power and privledge. His life of service reflects his faith. His example of service also symbolizes the work of so many Christians trying to make the world a more loving and just place. I have been to a few Obama rallies and I have talked to a lot of youth and college students. Barack Obama has been able to do the nearly impossible in this cynical culture– mobilize a new generation of Americans for service in the world and tap into their passion to love their neighbor. He has my vote, my support, and my prayers as he lives out his faith through his ongoing service to this nation.
Obama and Biden have won my confidence and my vote!
The leadership and organizational skills Barack Obama brings is already paying dividends in his campaign by building a ground structure that goes beyond regular party politics. That experience in community organizing will bring fresh new voices and a variety of world views to the table to work on responses to the most pressing issues of our nation. This is much better than the lone wolf, so called maverick approach of “that other one”.
Time to push back on a broken ideology and intolerant world views.
Charles Vreeland
President, Humane Society of Greater K.C.
Lay Minister
I echo Rev. Kottler comment. this couple does not operate as unreachable but operates as people who are part of something bigger then themselves. There community leadership lives in there faith in a God of Equailty.
Jenella Smith Emelianov
October 27, 2008
First of all, I am NOT a clergy person, but I want all who are supporting Obama to know I really appreciate their great comments and willingness to communicate their strong opinions at this critical time. (Is their a ‘Laypersons for Obama’ by any chance ?) I literally cried the second time Bush won the election. My husband reminded me he was reelected because enough people voted for him, and They are the ones responsible for the poor shape of our country and our poor image around the world. I was excited to vote for Kennedy when so many citizens weren’t at all sure about having a Catholic as President for the first time. I am now even more excited to have the opportunity to vote for Obama who would be our first ‘colored’ President. (People should remember he IS half white as well as half black.)I say that as a white voter, who will be choosing him for all the good positions he holds, all his worthy goals, all the optimistic spirit he conveys. That is not to say I agree with all his positions. For a starter, he really needs to get off this antagonistic, biased attitude toward Russia.
Having said that, Obama will get my enthusiastic vote Nov. 4. May he get an overwhelming majority of other laypersons votes as well as those of clergy. Join the bandwagon !!!!
Im in