Rep. Charlie Rangel Says Faith Wards Off Bad Days

Home » Posts » Rep. Charlie Rangel Says Faith Wards Off Bad Days

Washington, D.C. – On this Sunday’s “State of Belief,” The Interfaith Alliance Foundation’s show on Air America Radio, Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy speaks with House Ways and Means Committee Chairman, Rep. Charlie Rangel.  The 19-term Democrat from New York is the author of a memoir, entitled …And I Haven’t Had a Bad Day Since: From the Streets of Harlem to the Halls of Congress.  Rep. Rangel tells Welton about a life-threatening incident during the Korean War, where Rangel served in a segregated Army regiment.  When his regiment was surrounded by Chinese soldiers along the Yalu River, Rangel said: “If Jesus would even consider sparing me, he would have no problems with Charlie Rangel for ever and ever…And I haven’t had a bad day since.”

 

Rep. Rangel is also a strong advocate for religious pluralism.  He has introduced a resolution in Congress to create a National Week of Reflection and Tolerance.  Rep.  Rangel, who is Catholic, reminds listeners that Jesus was one of the earliest advocates for religious tolerance.  “Jesus tells people [morality] is how you treat the least among us, regardless of their religion.”

 

Also on the show: Rev. Oliver “Buzz” Thomas, author of 10 Things Your Minister Wants to Tell You, But Can’t Because He Needs the Job.


Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.