Washington, DC – Interfaith Alliance President Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy issued the following statement in response to Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal’s attack on Interfaith Alliance. Rev. Gaddy sent a letter to Gov. Jindal following reports on the Baton Rouge Advocate that he had spent $45,000 in public funds traveling to church services around the state. A copy of the letter can be found at interfaithalliance.org.
Governor Jindal’s response does not answer the important question regarding his use of state funds for speaking engagements in houses of worship. Why the governor should not repay or reimburse the state with $45,000 and apologize to citizens for politicizing religion is still in need of an answer.
Governor Jindal’s critique of the work of Interfaith Alliance is another disturbing example of his lack of understanding of the danger of entanglement of institutions of government and institutions of religion.
I am saddened to know that Governor Jindal lacks a basic appreciation for the constitutional principle of religious freedom.
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.