INTERFAITH RELIGIOUS LEADERS ASK LEGISLATORS

FOR RESPECTFUL DEBATE

February 4, 2008

A diverse group of interfaith religious leaders in Colorado, concerned about the tone of the dialogue around the issue of immigration, today asked members of the Colorado Legislature to sign a “pledge of respect

By signing the pledge of respect, the legislators agree to set the tone of respect for the sacred humanity for those with whom and about whom they are speaking.  Through this personal commitment, the legislators will take a leadership role in changing the tone of the discourse in Colorado.

“We are concerned that at times the debate demonstrates little respect for the issue or the people affected by the legislation.  Immigrants are living in a climate of fear, hate, and intimidation,” said Fidel “Butch” Montoya, Director of H. S. Power & Light.

Rev. Dr. Jim Ryan, the Executive of the Colorado Council of Churches said, “We hope the pledge signed by legislators will help set a positive tone and serve as an example to other groups in our state.  How we speak to each other and about each other is a matter of moral and faith responsibility.”

The interfaith leaders, who asked the legislators to sign the pledge of respect, believe we should discuss our differences in a spirit of respect, reason and humility. We believe that we must treat all people with respect as our faith has taught us.        

CONTACT:

Jennifer Kraska                                                        Dr. Jim Ryan

Colorado Catholic Conference                              Colorado Council of Churches

303-894-8808                                                          303-825-4910

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February 1, 2008

Dear Colorado State Legislator:

We are quite concerned about the tone of the dialogue around the issue of immigration. At times, it demonstrates little respect and has served to

polarize our state.

Although the tone of discourse on any subject should exemplify respect for

all of God’s people, we the undersigned, a diverse representation of interfaith religious leaders of Colorado, request that you take leadership in changing the tone of the discourse on immigration issues by signing the enclosed “Pledge

of Respect.”

If you agree to sign on to this pledge, please e-mail your agreement to:

Rev. Dr. James R. Ryan

Colorado Council of Churches

We deeply appreciate your service to the people of Colorado and the

model of civility that you will demonstrate by the signing and living

out of this pledge.

Rev. Stan Perea

Confianza, A Coalition of Latino Church Leaders

Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.

Archbishop of Denver

Most Reverend Arthur N. Tafoya, D.D.

Bishop of Pueblo

Most Reverend Michael J. Sheridan, S.T.D.

Bishop of Colorado Springs

Jennifer M. Kraska

Executive Director

Colorado Catholic Conference

Francisco Miraval

Hispanic Coordinator

U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce

Rev. Andrew L. Simpson, Jr.

Presiding Elder

Rocky Mountain District African Methodist Episcopal Church

Rev. Larry Van Spriell

Interim Executive Minister

American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains

Dr. Ralph Datema

Interim Regional Minister

Christian Church(Disciples of Christ)

Central Rocky Mountain Region

Rev. Vicki Samland

Western Plains District Representative

Church of the Brethren

The Rt. Rev. Robert J. O’Neill

Bishop

Episcopal Diocese of Colorado

The Rev. Elder Lillie Brock

Coordinating Ministry in Region 7of Metropolitan Community Churches

The Rev. Dr. Thomas Sheffield

Presbytery Pastor

The Presbytery of Denver

Anne W. Bond

Interim Stated Clerk

Presbytery of Denver

The Rev. Dr. Daniel M. Saperstein

Executive Presbyter

Presbytery of Plainsand Peaks

Presbyterian Church(U.S.A.)

The Rev. Gary R. Weaver

Executive Presbyter

Presbytery of Pueblo

Rev. Dennis Rivera

District Superintendent

Central Latin American District Council of the Assemblies of God

Rev. Nancy Bowen

District Executive

Mountain Desert District of the Unitarian Universalist Association

Rev. Dr. Tom O. Rehling

Conference Minister

Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Church of Christ

Fidel “Butch” Montoya

Director

H.S. Power & Light

– Faith Based Latino Initiative

Bishop Warner Brown

Rocky Mountain Conference

United Methodist Church

Rev. Dr. James R. Ryan

Council Executive

Colorado Council of Churches

Dr. Tom Melton

Senior Pastor

Greenwood Community Church

Don Reeverts

Denver Leadership Foundation

Fredreick Maes

President

Alianza Ministerial

Rev. Dr. David Trickett

President, Iliff Schoolof Theology

Apostle Ralph Beechum

President

Greater Denver Metro Ministerial Alliance

Rabbi Joel R. Schwartzman

President, Rocky Mountain Rabbinical Council

Gale Kahn

Executive Director

American Jewish Committee

Imam Ibrahim Kazerooni

Executive Director

Abrahamic Initiative

Dr.Gordon England

Chairman

His Ministries.

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PLEDGE OF RESPECT

COLORADO LEGISLATORS 2008

As a legislator representing the people of Colorado, I believe that regarding matters where we are not of one mind, our humble respect for each other and all of God’s children can draw us together to be of one heart.

Therefore, I pledge that as I take positions and enter into dialogue on the issue of immigration that the tone of my discourse and the choice of my words will reflect the respect I have for the sacred humanity of those about whom I am speaking and with whom I may disagree.