Welton Gaddy

Rep. King's hearing is the wrong answer to the wrong question

In today's political climate, it may not ensure an "electoral win" to defend the rights of the American Muslim community, but there is no question that it is the right thing to do.

By Welton Gaddy | March 8, 2011; 10:48 AM ET | Comments (1)

Freedom is universal

Freedom, as we understand it here in America, or as it emerges in Egypt, is a universal idea that belongs to all of us. Neither the religious nor secular world can claim exclusive ownership, but both have important roles to play in protecting it.

By Welton Gaddy | February 16, 2011; 01:01 PM ET | Comments (5)

Keep the focus on candidates' capabilities, not their faith

The question that each and every one of us should ask about faith during an election season is: Does this candidate have a strong commitment to protecting religious freedom in this country? If the answer is yes, the faith or belief system of that candidate is not important.

By Welton Gaddy | February 9, 2011; 11:48 AM ET | Comments (335)

Faith should inspire us and democracy should guide us

What will come next in Egypt is still in question, but the rise of an Islamic theocracy is hardly assured.

By Welton Gaddy | February 1, 2011; 11:10 AM ET | Comments (5)

Guaranteed freedoms sometimes come into conflict

It is my belief that in a civil society with a guarantee of religious freedom - our first freedom - nobody ought to suffer because of someone else's theology.

By Welton Gaddy | January 26, 2011; 11:24 AM ET | Comments (322)

Balancing faith with the Constitution

More important than a candidate's personal religious beliefs is the question of whether candidates will protect our religious freedoms and respect the boundaries between religion and government, and how they will balance the principles of their faith with their pledge to defend the Constitution.

By Welton Gaddy | October 19, 2010; 03:29 PM ET | Comments (1)

Scriptures on homosexuality must be read in context

Conclusions based on raw emotions rather than thoughtful research and careful science spew poison into our society and pour acid on the cause of justice.

By Welton Gaddy | October 12, 2010; 11:52 AM ET | Comments (9)

"No religious test" means no religious test

In electing a president, we are not electing a Pastor-in-Chief, a Rabbi-in-Chief or an Imam-in-Chief; rather, we are electing a Commander-in-Chief, a leader whose religion, or lack thereof, cannot be used as a qualifier for office or even a means of measuring his success.

By Welton Gaddy | September 3, 2010; 10:48 AM ET | Comments (8)

An issue of religious freedom - period

To oppose this project because Islam is involved and Muslims are sponsors of it is a violation of the religious freedom guaranteed and protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution - period.

By Welton Gaddy | August 17, 2010; 10:23 AM ET | Comments (2)

Great irony in outcry over Ground Zero mosque

For years, public discourse has called for a great moderate Muslim voice to counter extremism. Now, when such a voice is seeking to be heard in meaningful and helpful ways, it faces severe backlash and strong opposition - indicating a continued fear and ignorance of the Muslim faith, even at its most peaceful.

By Welton Gaddy | July 22, 2010; 12:51 PM ET | Comments (32)

The evangelization of National Day of Prayer

For too long, the nature of the day has been shaped by Shirley Dobson and other evangelical fundamentalists who believe only Christians' prayers get God's attention. Devotees of other religions in our land have been forewarned that the National Day of Prayer events are "Christian" meetings.

By Welton Gaddy | April 27, 2010; 10:05 AM ET | Comments (8)

Pastors must relate to their congregations honestly

Differences of opinion do not destroy a congregation; they may even strengthen it. However, a lack of communication between people with different opinions can be seriously destructive. Dishonesty can be damaging beyond measure.

By Welton Gaddy | March 16, 2010; 10:58 AM ET | Comments (1)

If you receive government funds you must follow the rules

It's a fair deal for everybody that allows the government to fulfill its mission with independence and integrity and permits the religious organization to advance its teaching and pursue its social vision with independence and private funding.

By Welton Gaddy | March 9, 2010; 05:47 PM ET | Comments (8)

Foreign policy must respect, not exploit religion

Recognizing the power of religion in the world is the better part of wisdom for anyone working on international concerns. Thinking that any government--especially ours--can and/or should use religion as a foreign affairs strategy is a prelude to disaster.

By Welton Gaddy | February 24, 2010; 09:46 AM ET | Comments (5)

No persecution

I have experienced criticism for my beliefs as a Christian and sometimes mean-spirited forms of retaliation from critics, but never persecution. Persecution of Christians is not present in our beloved nation.

By Welton Gaddy | January 12, 2010; 09:33 AM ET | Comments (6)

Religion on Fox: News or evangelism?

New anchor Brit Hume should not be giving religious advice to Tiger Woods on national TV.

By Welton Gaddy | January 4, 2010; 02:27 PM ET | Comments (419)

Fenty's dangerous venue choice

By holding the signing ceremony at a house of worship, the Fenty Administration and All Souls Church sent the dangerous signal that one set of religious beliefs trump another and that marriage is strictly a religious act.

By Welton Gaddy | December 21, 2009; 11:06 AM ET | Comments (210)

Public policy should be grounded in the Constitution, not scripture

Though religious people debate moral priorities and the source of their authority, such is not the responsibility constitutionally imposed on the U.S. Congress, regardless of the individual religious preferences of its members. Religious leaders cannot be allowed to use one particular interpretation of scripture-based morality to compel Congress to legislate sectarian morality.

By Welton Gaddy | November 17, 2009; 06:43 PM ET | Comments (3)

Religion has no official role in our military

Without question, all of the men and women who give their lives to military service should be allowed to practice their faith or choose to practice no faith without fear of prejudice or retribution. There is no place in the military for proselytization among military personnel or by military personnel in relation to citizens at home or abroad.

By Welton Gaddy | November 10, 2009; 05:35 PM ET | Comments (0)

Hate is not a religious value

All crimes are not equal. We see this not only in how our legal framework metes out punishments based on the crimes committed, but in how we as individuals are affected by some crimes more or less than others. The issue of hate crimes is far more than a law-and-order issue; it is also a moral and religious issue.

By Welton Gaddy | October 20, 2009; 02:52 PM ET | Comments (102)

Religion Should Support Civil Rights

Religion and civil rights should be best friends. Among religions' great values are an ability to bring people together and a capacity to function as the driving force behind many good works.

By Welton Gaddy | September 23, 2009; 03:09 PM ET | Comments (1)

A More Faithful Way to Talk About Marriage

If government officials and religious leaders distinguished the differences between legal marriage and religious marriage, they could greatly reduce the amount of conflict in public discussions on same-gender marriage.

By Welton Gaddy | July 28, 2009; 12:51 PM ET | Comments (135)

Good Words, Now We Need Good Actions

Frankly, I find it disturbing, as well as a bit sad, that so many people feel it necessary to congratulate the president for understanding and speaking about basic concepts of religious freedom and pluralism.

By Welton Gaddy | April 15, 2009; 03:09 PM ET | Comments (1)

One Step Closer to Sound Science

Public policies in our government are to reflect not a particular religious or ideological perspective but what is best for the health and welfare of our nation's citizens based on the guidance, in this instance, of sound science.

By Welton Gaddy | March 10, 2009; 12:29 AM ET | Comments (3)

Discrimination With Federal Money

If sectarian organizations are using their own money, they have every right to employ only persons committed to their religion. However, if taxpayers are funding a program, that program should reflect our nation's historic commitment to civil rights.

By Welton Gaddy | February 12, 2009; 12:18 AM ET | Comments (8)

A Vision of Change That Leaves Out No One

With appropriate devotion to religion, appreciation for inclusion, and insistence on compassion, our new president praises diversity, stresses equality for all people, expresses desire for friendship with all nations, and calls every individual to activist citizenship that is local, national, and global.

By Welton Gaddy | January 25, 2009; 12:43 AM ET | Comments (2)

Don't Impose Theology on Matrimony

Marriage--gay or heterosexual--should be a right available to every citizen, but never a legal act, ritual, or formal ceremony that any house of worship, denomination, or religious leader should be required to perform in contradiction to their beliefs.

By Welton Gaddy | December 15, 2008; 02:51 PM ET | Comments (8)

Having Faith is Fine; Seeking a Theocracy is Not

I am concerned about anyone who claims the ability to speak with certainty about the will of God. When that claim is coupled with partisan politics, my concern turns into fear.

By Welton Gaddy | September 15, 2008; 08:21 AM ET | Comments (55)

The Race for Pastor-in-Chief

The leader we choose may have a faith of his own, but he must lead members of all faiths present in the nation - as well as those with no faith at all. Voters need to know how candidates are prepared to translate their beliefs into policy statements based on universal values.

By Welton Gaddy | August 29, 2008; 03:38 PM ET | Comments (28)

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

While I appreciate Pastor Rick Warren's civility, I believe questions like: 'What does it mean to trust in Christ?' have no place in a political forum."

By Welton Gaddy | August 21, 2008; 08:52 AM ET | Comments (10)

Serious Questions About Religion

Too often the media has asked the wrong questions of the presidential candidates, probing them to list their biggest sin or name their favorite Bible verse. How will you speak about your beliefs without making them just another political tool?

By Welton Gaddy | August 16, 2008; 08:54 AM ET | Comments (5)

Pluralism is a Strength, not a Weakness

This Pew Forum study underscores the fact that America is the most religious pluralistic nation in the world. In fact, Interfaith Alliance is made up of people from over 75 different faith traditions, as well as many people who do not have a faith tradition.

By Welton Gaddy | July 7, 2008; 05:24 AM ET | Comments (26)

Car Tag Evangelism

Welton Gaddy | As a minister, I have to question the benefit of placing a cross or any other religious symbol on a motor vehicle tag.

By Welton Gaddy | June 12, 2008; 08:47 AM ET | Comments (116)

California Ruling Protects Religious Freedom

The California Supreme Court ruling was a victory for religious freedom and the United States Constitution. The Interfaith Alliance, the organization I serve as president of, praised the California ruling because the court recognized – as I do -- that...

By Welton Gaddy | May 27, 2008; 01:43 PM ET | Comments (3)

McCain, Parsley, Hagee, and Apocalyptic Foreign Policy

He should not only reject their extremist beliefs he should reject their endorsements. No candidate should seek, celebrate, or even accept endorsements from religious leaders.

By Welton Gaddy | April 8, 2008; 05:38 AM ET | Comments (10)

Religion Must Lead in Ending Both Isms

With the near certainty that a woman or an African American will be one of the major party nominees for president, America has come a long way in dealing with both sexism and racism.

By Welton Gaddy | March 31, 2008; 07:42 AM ET | Comments (7)

Religious Leaders Must Avoid Partisan Entanglements

What I did not hear in Senator Obama’s remarks, but still needs significant emphasis is a clear statement that religious leaders should avoid partisan entanglements within houses of worship.

By Welton Gaddy | March 20, 2008; 07:03 AM ET | Comments (11)

No Religious Litmus Tests

As for Jesus and the United States presidency, I think he would take a pass knowing that his broad-based advocacy work requires a change in people’s hearts as well as their politics.

By Welton Gaddy | March 7, 2008; 12:12 AM ET | Comments (23)

Campaign Lowlights

In a nation founded on the principles of freedom of belief, separation of religion and government, and no religious test for public office, the 2008 presidential campaign has been deeply infused with references to religion. The Interfaith Alliance has assembled,...

By Welton Gaddy | February 28, 2008; 04:15 PM ET | Comments (34)

Base Public Policy on Shared Values, Not Religion

I find Obama’s electoral “faith clubs” as disturbing as his Sunday sermons in which he asks Christian congregations to pray for his ability to bring in “the kingdom.” I am appalled at McCain who declares that the Constitution established the United States as a “Christian nation.”

By Welton Gaddy | February 22, 2008; 11:20 AM ET | Comments (7)

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