WASHINGTON, D.C.—Last Wednedsay, May 7, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) hosted 41 faith leaders and clergy members at the Library of Congress for a listening session. The AME Church was represented by Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, 2nd Episcopal District, Dr. John Thomas III Editor, The Christian Recorder, and Rev. Bo Barber, 6th Episcopal District. Bishop Vashti McKenzie, President/General Secretary of the National Council of Churches also attended.
Joined by Rep. James Clyburn (SC-06) and Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Leader Jeffries held a listening session to hear from clergy members about their suggestions as part of House Democrats’ all-hands-on-deck strategy to bring about a better tomorrow for the American people.
“The meeting was an initial convening and listening session of faith leaders and clergy members from across the nation and I look forward to our continued dialogue as we deal with this unprecedented moment in American history. During these very challenging times, I am grateful for the partnership, the friendship and the leadership of the clergy on all the things that need to happen to get our nation to a better place,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08). “At a moment like this, we are experiencing trouble on every side. Trouble in the White House, trouble with the Congress, trouble with the Cabinet, trouble with Elon Musk, an unelected, unaccountable, unpopular, unhinged, un-American, billionaire puppet master. But we’re not in despair because we know that setbacks are an inevitable part of life. That’s just the reality of our journey and we’ve seen that over and over and again in the United States of America. Setbacks are an inevitable part of life, but a setback is nothing more than a setup for a comeback. And in our view, what’s in front of us right now, is that we have to engineer the great American comeback.”
“Having been born and raised in a church parsonage, I understand the connection between faith and public service. The convening on Capitol Hill of influential African American clergy from around the country could not be more critical,” said Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06). “We discussed protecting vital programs against proposed cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, veterans benefits and how this impacts their congregants and all Americans. Across traditions and cultures, people of faith are commanded to care for the least of these. The House Republican budget fails to care for the vulnerable, and it is incumbent upon all of us to correct this. We tend to profess pride in being Matthew 25 Christians, and we often express adherence to verse 45 that admonishes, ‘whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'”
“In this moment of moral crisis in America, it is more important than ever that faith leaders unite to provide the light needed to guide the country back toward the course of righteousness,” said Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05). “I’m thankful to Leader Jeffries for taking the time to sit down with myself, Rep. Clyburn and clergy from across the country to coordinate a faith-led response to the chaos and cruelty emanating from the White House. Whether those seeking affordable healthcare, those in need of food assistance or those seeking a better life in the United States of America, we have an obligation to protect the least of these in our communities; and together, we will.”
The clergy has been at the forefront of every major fight for social justice in America and continues to provide a voice of moral clarity as we endeavor to meet the challenging moment we confront. This conversation is the first in a series of ongoing engagements with community leaders to strengthen the relationship between House Democrats and the American people who we are fighting to protect.
With contributions from the Democratic House Leadership Press Office. |
