Faith Meeting at DNC Convention Unites Like-Minded Democrats

Monday morning inside the Charlotte Convention Center approximately 30 individuals consisting of state delegates, citizens and media gathered for the morning Faith Meeting.

Opening remarks were made by Rev. Derrick Harkins, Faith Outreach Director for the DNC, who introduced the four members sitting on the Values Panel.

• Rev. Leah Daughtry, former CEO, DNC Convention
• Christina Forrester, President, Christian Democrats
• Rev. E. Terry LaVelle
• Sister Rose Tresp

The panel discussed and weighed in on their theme, 'Greater Together', and how as a faith based group they can strengthen the Democratic Party.

We can agree to disagree and still collectively work together for the common good.  - Rev. E. Terri LaVelle.

The concept behind being 'Greater Together' in the Democratic Party reflects in the views of various faith based traditions. The room cheered in unison as the panel members spoke and called them to action over the next 64 days to unite as believers and vote Barack Obama back in again.

"I don't have to compromise who I am to be part of the Democratic Party," said Rev. E. Terri LaVelle. "We have different views, the diversity of our faith traditions lends itself to hear things that we might not have heard before."

Christina Forrester stated how members of the Democratic party have values more in line with faith and caring about social justice issues and looking after the 'least of these'.

"That's the common theme that we are told in the Bible," said Forrester. "Our values, our mercy, our social justice - the notion that one party holds the cornerstone for Christianity is breaking and we have to break that stereotype."

Aligning their values with the Democratic party, the ideas of not looking to make budget cuts and looking to help the poor while keeping programs in place are the sentiments echoed throughout the morning.

"How do we see ourselves moving forward and unfolding over the next four years?" asked the Faith Outreach Director, Rev. Derrick Harkins.

Forrester stated that by cooperating, not competing between parties, not looking at personal agendas, that results will happen and looking at issues on a platform of how both parties can work together.

Issues brought forth by the panel that they hope to see prioritized over the next four years include: the environment, immigration and legalization, and to move towards eradicating homelessness.

"According to the scriptures, we are called to be part of the church community," said Rev. Leah Daughtry. "In 1 Corinthians we are reminded that all of us are equipped with different gifts and talents and that bound together we work best."