Faith Forward Dallas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9.19.2023
Contact: Jay Pritchard
214.558.6656
[email protected]

Pastors for Texas Children Calls Out Governor Abbott for his
Support of Private School Vouchers

Vouchers are a Clear Violation of the American Ideal of Separation of Church and State

In an unprecedented violation of God’s law of religious liberty and the American doctrine of the separation of church and state, Governor Greg Abbott this afternoon called on ministers and pastors to use God’s pulpit to push his private school voucher program.

Specifically, October 15 has been designated as pro-voucher Sunday.

“The people of Texas know an eternal truth that seems to escape Gov. Abbott, that all genuine faith is voluntary and cannot properly be endorsed or supported by the authority of the state,” said Rev. Charles Foster Johnson, executive director of Pastors for Texas Children. “The use of public tax dollars to subsidize religious instruction is a sin against God.”

The governor’s initiative today is in direct response to Pastors for Texas Children’s decade-long opposition to the diversion of public funds for private and religious schools. Pastors for Texas Children is very intentional in its messaging to keep politics out of our pulpits. Individual clergy conduct our engagements outside formal times of religious gatherings.

Furthermore, the threats made by the governor this afternoon against pro-public education State Representatives are an inappropriate and desperate attempt to intimidate dedicated public servants representing the interests of their people.

“This crass bullying is particularly odious,” continued Johnson. “The truth of the matter is that the House of Representatives of the State of Texas opposes private school vouchers, as they have for over two decades. That will not change no matter how many special legislative sessions the governor calls.”

Pastors for Texas Children stands strong for the universal education of all God’s children, provided, and protected by the public trust. We oppose all attempts to privatize it for sectarian, religious, and political reasons.

Your on-going support enables us to continue to serve our neighbors, near and far, in advocacy for racial justice, housing solutions, and gun sense. Our faith leader membership continues to grow! Help us to get the word out about this good work/trouble!

Support The Thanks-Giving Foundation on NTX Giving Day WE ARE CELEBRATING OUR DIAMOND JUBILEE!! Sixty years of bringing neighbors together for good in the name of Gratitude! Our goal is $60,000...so help us ring in the next 60 years!!OverviewThanks-Giving Square is a restorative and transformative downtown Dallas landmark as...

Faith Forward Dallas -- Large Group Meeting, Related Task Force Advocacy & Helpful Links - https://mailchi.mp/23a5e125268e/faith-forward-dallas-march-update-5416572

Need to get a jump start on Labor Day weekend by decompressing with a sound bath? Wednesday, August 30, at 7:30 p.m. in the Hall of Thanks-Giving at the Thanks-Giving Square for Sound Healing with our dear friend, Karim Flores, . Bring your own mat and dana (donation) for the experience. For more information email, Andy Stoker, [email protected].

Faith Forward Dallas -- Member Meet-Up RSVP Reminder - https://mailchi.mp/be3887d63ac7/faith-forward-dallas-march-update-5414872

Read this Op-Ed by Faith Forward Member, Imam Azhar Subedar. "Our rights are a responsibility. When we uphold those rights for everyone beyond ourselves, we confirm the power of our united resolve. The impact of our actions isn’t limited to ourselves or those in our immediate proximity. They can have a global impact. Freedom is a right and not a privilege. We must all ensure that we never abuse it."

Read the whole piece here:

When freedom of expression imposes on one’s freedom of existence | Opinion The development director of the South Florida Muslim Federation writes how incidents such as the recent Quran burning in Sweden do more harm to free expression than good.

Faith Forward Dallas -- Gearing Up for Fall ... - https://mailchi.mp/26e9e84c8cb5/faith-forward-dallas-march-update-5412200

Care Announcement: Gary Evans, spouse to Linda Abramson Evans - https://mailchi.mp/ffed52c1fbb0/faith-forward-dallas-march-update-5409812

From our Gun Sense Task Force: As you might already know that NRA is considering moving its headquarter to Texas. You are invited to be present to show your embodied advocacy, and, if a Richardson resident, raise your voice: Monday, July 10, 2023, 5:30 p.m. at the Richardson Police Dept. Multipurpose Room.

Read the article, it seems like they are considering Richardson: https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2023/06/23/nra-headquarters-relocation-state-farm-richardson.html

Racial Equity member, Rev. Collin Packer, along with friend of Faith Forward Dallas, Rev. Amanda Tyler of BJC - Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, will be speaking this Sunday at Skillman Church of Christ. This is a night of revival for the Racial Healing of America. Please attend this inspirational evening.