Tuesday, April 12th at 2:45p in the Senate Swamp (Constitution & Delaware)

I feel honored to be here today, joining with this diverse group of over 140 organizations who represent some 20 million Americans.

Like many others here, the organization of which I am the director, the Methodist Federation for Social Action, is not in the habit of taking stands on issues related to the nomination of judges.

The situation we find ourselves in at this moment in history, however, demands a response from all sectors of society.

Efforts to eliminate the 200 year-old tradition of the right to filibuster in the United States Senate, threaten core values which Americans hold dear.

Primary among those values for me, and many other people of faith, is concern for the rights of the minority. As a Christian, a central tenant of my faith is to care for “the least of these,” those on the margin of society, those who have little or no power. This is not only a Christian value, but one shared by many major faith traditions.

As an American, I hold the value (and I would hope all of us present would hold this same value) that the voice of the minority will always find expression in the halls of our government. Fundamental to our system of government are safeguards to make sure that those with power are not in a position to silence the minority voice.

We have a system of government that has built in checks and balances. We have a system of government that allows for the protection of minority rights from majority rule.

As a leader in the faith community, and as an American citizen, I join with those who oppose any efforts aimed at undermining these important rights.

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