DNC Faith Advisory Council Holds Quarterly Meeting
December 4, 2006
Following on the heels of historic Democratic gains in the religious community during the past mid-term election, today the Democratic National Committee's Faith Advisory Council held its first meeting in Washington, DC. Faith leaders from diverse denominations and Democratic leaders including House Majority Whip Elect Jim Clyburn and Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean came together to discuss working with the national party in its ongoing effort to engage the faith community and communicate our shared values. Today's meeting is part of the DNC's faith outreach effort which began over a year ago and builds on the inroads Democrats made with the faith community in the November elections.
The DNC Faith Advisory Council falls under the umbrella of the DNC's Faith in Action Initiative, which under the leadership of DNC Chairman Howard Dean has worked to strengthen and build relationships with members of the faith community through regular outreach based on our shared values and priorities. These efforts include national and state level outreach to diverse faiths in coordination with the DNC's 50 State Partnership program.
"Through the DNC's Faith in Action Initiative and Advisory Council we will not take anyone for granted and we will continue to reach out to all Americans," said Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean. "This election showed that if we talk about our shared values such as fighting poverty, caring for our children and protecting our seniors we can broaden the dialogue to better serve the common good. Building on the momentum of this election in which Americans voted for change, we will not take any vote or voter for granted in our efforts to build a national party for every American."
"I am pleased to join the DNC in convening this first meeting of important faith leaders," said House Majority Whip Elect James Clyburn. "This is the first of many more productive meetings to come, in which we will continue to discuss the important role faith plays in the lives of Americans and how we can work to expand the dialogue on issues that focus on the common good. I look forward to continuing to strengthen these relationships and to working with diverse leaders in the faith community. "
