Thank Assemblymember Lieu, Civic & Interfaith Leaders for their Principled Stance

 

Anaheim , CA: The Council on American-Islamic Relations - Greater Los Angeles Area office February 11 thanked Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) and California civic and interfaith leaders for their principled positions supporting the US Constitution's values of equality, fair treatment and religious diversity in the wake of recent divisive comments made by Lancaster Councilmember Sherry Marquez and Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. CAIR-LA further urged community members and people of conscience to thank the above individuals as well.
Both the mayor and the councilwoman apologized for their remarks at a press conference. This positive outcome would not have been possible without the support of many community leaders such as Assemblymember Lieu; Peter Laarman, Executive Director of Progressive Christians Uniting; Elizabeth Sholes, Policy Director for California Council of Churches/California Church IMPACT; Larry Swaim, Executive Director of Interfaith Freedom Foundation; and Barry W. Lynn, Executive Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
Laarman, Sholes, Swaim and Lynn sent letters of concern regarding Mayor Parris' comments during a State of the City address about "growing a Christian community."  They urged the mayor to retract his statement and affirm support for the Constitutional principle of separation of church and state.

Assemblymember Lieu reminded Marquez that holding elected office is an honor and a privilege and expressed concern about the danger her bigoted statements could reap.
FOR BACKGROUND, SEE:  CAIR, Muslim Leaders Welcome Lancaster Mayor's Apology for 'Christian Community' Remarks

SEE:  Letters from Chistian Leaders
SEE:  Letters from Political & Civic Leaders
ACTION REQUESTED: Please thank the leaders listed below for their principled positions advocating the Constitution's values of equality, fair treatment and pluralism among our nation's citizens.

1. California Assemblymember Ted Lieu, E-mail: Ted.Lieu@asm.ca.gov

2. Peter Laarman, Executive Director of Progressive Christians Uniting, E-mail: director@pcu-la.org

3. Elizabeth Sholes, Policy Director of California Council of Churches/California Church IMPACT, E-mail: sholes@calchurches.org

4. Larry Swaim, Executive Director of Interfaith Freedom Foundation, E-mail: interfaithfreedom@sbcglobal.net
5. Barry W. Lynn, Executive Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, E-mail: americansunited@au.org

 

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