FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 14, 2005
Contact: Lynne Bowman, Executive Director
614-202-8869 (lynne@equalityohio.org)

Ohio Faith and Political Leaders Challenge Reformation Ohio’s Narrow Vision
Promote Inclusive Vision for a Strong and Prosperous Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH - Faith and political leaders from throughout Ohio held a news conference at 9 a.m. today at the Trinity Episcopal Church on Capitol Square. Their goal was to shed light on Reformation Ohio, a coalition whose vision by 2009 is to align Ohio culture and law with its narrow interpretation of the Christian faith.

The news conference pre-empted Reformation Ohio’s official launch event on the Statehouse lawn, slated to take place later in the day.

“There is nothing wrong with encouraging your followers to engage in the political process,” said Rabbi David Horowitz, the rabbi emeritus of Temple Israel, Akron. “But when one religious sect labels others who don't conform as ‘inferior’ or ‘immoral’ then that threatens the American ideal of religious freedom.”

Leaders said Ohioans should be wary not only of the Rev. Rod Parsley’s Reformation Ohio and his Center for Moral Clarity, but also other allied groups such as Russell Johnson’s Ohio Restoration Project. The groups make no secret of their aim to align Ohio government with their narrow vision for Ohio.

“We are here to defend democracy and stand up to those who would make Ohio a theocracy,” said Lynne Bowman, Executive Director of Equality Ohio. “We envision an Ohio where everyone feels at home. All should be welcome in Ohio regardless of their beliefs, their religion, their race, their national origin, or their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Bowman.

A personal letter from Parsley was sent to every Ohio representative and senator inviting them to the October 14 event at the Statehouse. Parsley’s Center for Moral Clarity also intends to push its own legislative agenda with the help of Ohio state representatives who share its viewpoint.

“We have government of all the people, by all the people, and for all the people, not just those who claim for themselves to be morally superior,” said H. Paul Schwitzgebel, a hospital chaplain from Canton and board member of Equality Ohio. “Ohioans who share that belief must recognize the damage that could be done to both church and state by groups like Reformation Ohio.”

Dr. Ahmad Al-Akhras of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said Parsley has been open about his disdain for Muslims. In his book Silent No More, Parsley says in part that “Islam is an anti-Christ religion that intends, through violence, to conquer the world.”

“It is disturbing that someone in the cloak of a religious leader would espouse such hatred,” said Al-Akhras.

Rev. Mike Schuenemeyer is Executive for Health and Wholeness Advocacy for the National Office of the United Church of Christ and is a resident of Cleveland. He said groups like Reformation Ohio threaten the fair recognition of all beliefs. “Religion is part of the beautiful diversity among Ohioans. One narrow religious viewpoint should not steer government representing all Ohioans,” Schuenemeyer said.

In upcoming months, Schuenemenyer will be working with Equality Ohio to coordinate the establishment of a roundtable of faith leaders from Ohio who share an inclusive vision for the state.

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