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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release - July 2, 2008
Media Interviews
NDFA Executive Director Tom Freier
TFreier@NDFA.Org
701-223-3575; 701-471-0477 cell
www.NDFA.Org
NDFA QUESTIONS OBAMA'S EXPANSION OF FAITH-BASED INITIATIVE PROGRAM
Senator Obama says that if elected he'll overhaul President Bush's faith-based initiative and expand it. The North Dakota Family Alliance (NDFA) supports the value of a faith- based initiative concept. The Obama plan seems to center on the reduction of the ministry component while placing greater emphasis on defining discriminatory practices.
NDFA has asked the Obama campaign to clarify the nature of the senator’s proposal. In light of the senator’s opposition to defending traditional marriage, it is important to understand what his definition of faith is as it relates to the faith-based program.
In a letter to the LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transsexual) Democratic Club in San Francisco, he scorned man-woman marriage, saying, "...I oppose the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution [to protect marriage], and similar efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution or those of any other states."
How does Obama’s labeling of heterosexual marriage as being “divisive and discriminatory” fit into his faith-based proposal? Doesn't this mean that faith-based organizations that support marriage will be disqualified from federal funding or even involvement under an Obama presidency?
The senator’s strong stance of being pro-abortion raises similar concerns. His supportive policy position on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which tramples on the religious and moral convictions of employers, including non-profits and certain church ministries questions the consistency of his initiative. Specifically, if successful, the ENDA legislation would curtail the ability of pastors to share scripturally based messages relating to moral issues including life and marriage.
“The people of North Dakota deserve some clarification on this proposal. The stark contrast of Senator Obama’s past history and stances relating to life, marriage, and other moral issues seem to be inconsistent with his proposal. Political, election year rhetoric- telling the public what they want to hear- is one thing but sincerely believing in such an initiative requires proof” states Tom Freier, Executive Director of the North Dakota Family Alliance. “With the senator being in Fargo on Thursday, this would be a great opportunity for him to address this issue.”
North Dakota Family Alliance Mission: Strengthen families and protect family values and religious freedoms by influencing public opinion through equipping, informing, and educating policy leaders and concerned citizens on the issues that impact the family.
North Dakota Family Alliance Vision: Be a trusted voice impacting one's legacy by encouraging hearts, equipping minds, and empowering people.
North Dakota Family Alliance Summary: Established as a corporation in 1987, the North Dakota Family Alliance has a history of providing analysis, educational and informational resources, training seminars, and perspectives to influence public opinion. These are all designed to help educate, equip and empower every citizen in North Dakota, including those in positions of responsibility, influence and authority, with the information they need to have a positive, powerful impact in their community and in the entire state of North Dakota concerning issues affecting families.
North Dakota Family Alliance is an organized corporation, governed by a board of directors and is operating exclusively for religious, charitable and educational purposes, all as contemplated and permitted by sections 170 (c) (2) and 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
North Dakota Family Alliance Key Issues: Those with Serious Impact on the Family, Currently Including: Sanctity of Life, Sanctity of Marriage, Abstinence until Marriage, Parental Rights, Fatherhood, Faith, Education, Leadership, Opposition of Pornography and Gambling.
Copyright © 2008 North Dakota Family Alliance
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