Washington, DC – Interfaith Alliance President Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy issued the following statement today following the supreme Court’s decision overturning large portions of the nations campaign finance laws. Interfaith Alliance became involved in campaign finance issues following the 2000 election based on the principles of equality, integrity and fairness which are fundamental to the vast majority of faith traditions.
Today’s campaign finance ruling by the United States Supreme Court should be of great concern to anyone who values freedom of religion. Interfaith Alliance has been a long time supporter of campaign finance reform based on the idea that equality, integrity and fairness are fundamental to the vast majority of faith traditions. Today’s ruling dismisses those principles in favor of unregulated spending by corporations and special interest groups.
Given that the court based its ruling around a misguided understanding of free speech, I am also concerned that this ruling may foreshadow the direction of the court on a church/state issue like clergy endorsements from the pulpit.
I urge Congress to take corrective action as soon as possible
Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit www.interfaithalliance.org.