FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2015 Contacts:
Fito Moreno, Bread for the World, (202) 812-2223, amoreno@bread.org
Zerline Hughes, Bread for the World, (617) 596-6958, zhughes@bread.org
Michael Mershon, Sojourners, (202) 745-4625, mmershon@sojo.net
Sarah Kropp, National Association of Evangelicals, skropp@nae.net
Religious Leaders Urge Carly Fiorina, Ben Carson,
and Mike Huckabee to Make Ending Hunger
and Poverty a Priority
Washington, D.C., May 6, 2015 –As Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, and Mike Huckabee each begin their presidential campaigns, the Circle of Protection is asking them each to record a video telling Americans what they would do to help hungry and poor people if elected.
Carson, Fiorina, and Huckabee each officially announced this week their bid for the 2016 Republican nomination for president.
“We are praying for a president who will make ending hunger and poverty a top priority of his or her administration. Are you that leader?” the Circle of Protection asked in a letter sent to the three newest candidates: business executive Fiorina, retired pediatric neurosurgeon Carson, and former Arkansas Gov. Huckabee. Each were asked to film their answer in a three-minute video
“As national leaders from all the major branches of Christianity, we care deeply about many issues facing our country, but ending hunger and poverty is a top priority,” the religious leaders wrote.
Throughout the world, many countries have dramatically reduced the incidence of hunger. However, in the United States, 49.1 million Americans, including 18.1 million children still struggle to put food on the table.
The Circle of Protection will broadly publicize the presidential candidate’s video among churches and the public. The Circle of Protection will not evaluate the presidential candidates’ policy positions or endorse any candidate.
The Circle of Protection will call on people of faith to examine the presidential candidates’ proposals to address poverty both at home and abroad, and to consider the mandate to those who govern to “give deliverance to the needy” (Psalm 72).
“The calling to public service is a sacred vocation. We hold you, and all of the candidates for nomination and election, in our prayers,” they added.
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The Circle of Protection is composed of Christian leaders who are heads of denominations, agencies, and organizations. To learn more, visit www.circleofprotection.us