Religious Leaders Call on CBS to Pull "Divisive" Ad
January 28, 2010
January 28, 2010
The religious organizations listed below represent more than ten thousand religious leaders and tens of thousands of people of faithwho believe that abortion must be safe, legal, and accessible. We come together to ask CBS to pull a divisive anti-choice ad by Focus on the Family slated to be aired during the Super Bowl. We believe strongly that the Super Bowl is not the appropriate venue for pressing discussions about moral decisions.
We are concerned that this ad will imply that a specific religious doctrine speaks for all people of faith in America about abortion, not recognizing that many religious denominations have passed policies in support of legalized abortion. No single religious voice can speak for all faith traditions on abortion, nor should television networks like CBS take sides on religious differences. We believe women must have the right to apply or reject the principles of their own faith in making the decision as to whether or not abortion is appropriate in their specific circumstances.
Signed:
Rev. Steven C. Baines
Assistant Field Director for Religious Outreach
Americans United for Separation of Church and State
Rev. Dr. Ignanio Castuera
National Chaplain
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Rev. Robert Chase
Founding Director
Intersections International
Rev. Steve Clapp
President
Christian Community, Inc.
Rev. Dr. J. Bennett Guess
Director of Communications
United Church of Christ
Rev. Debra W. Haffner
Executive Director
Religious Institute
Harry Knox
Director, Religion and Faith Program
Human Rights Campaign
Rev. Peter Laarman
Executive Director
Progressive Christians Uniting
Rev. Barry W. Lynn
Executive Director
Americans United for the Separation of Church and State
Rev. Jill K. McAllister
President, Clergy Advisory Board
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Rev. Carlton W. Veazey
President and CEO
Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
Bishop John L. Selders, Jr.
President
Interdenominational Conference of Liberation Congregations and Ministries
Rabbi Dennis S. Ross, Director
Concerned Clergy for Choice
The Education Fund of Family Planning Advocates of New York State
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