February 4, 2008 3:19 PM

Religious leaders urge state lawmakers to embrace a more civil tone in hot-button immigration debate

Twenty-five Colorado religious leaders have signed a letter asking state lawmakers to use civility when debating the hot-button immigration issue -- and to sign a pledge of respect.

The letter, signed by religous leaders ranging from Denver Catholic Archbishop Charles J. Chaput to United Methodist Bishop Warner Brown, is the first time such an influential group has united to speak out "against the tone and climate of hate in our state," said Fidel “Butch� Montoya, the former Denver manager of public safety and director of H.S. Power & Light, a Latino faith initiative.

The religious leaders' letter tells lawmakers of their concerns about the polarizing "tone of dialogue around the issue of immigration" in Colorado.

"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,' " the letter concludes. --Alan Gathright Read the full letter and "Pledge of Respect" below:

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.�

To “sign� the pledge, please e-mail your agreement to
Rev. Dr. James R. Ryan
Colorado Council of Churches
jrryan7@qwestoffice.net

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 VanSpriell
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 7
of 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 Plains and 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 School of 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

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.

Signature ________________________________________

Please print _______________________________________

District ____________________________

Posted by Alan Gathright at 3:19 PM | Comments (3)