Donald Trump to Answer Questions from Faith Leaders in United in
Purpose & My Faith Votes Event
More than 1,000
Evangelicals Gather in NYC June 21 for Private
Meeting to Discuss Important Issues; Summary Press Conference to Follow
NEW YORK, June 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Presumed
Republican
nominee Donald Trump will engage in a dialogue with nearly 1,000
Evangelical Christian leaders on Tuesday, June 21, in New York City
during the United
in
Purpose and My
Faith
Votes joint gathering, "A Conversation About America's Future
with Donald Trump and Ben Carson."
The event, which is a private, invitation-only gathering closed to
the media, will center around an opportunity for Trump to address 20
leader-submitted questions on issues critical to the faith community,
including topics of religious liberty, race, Israel, national defense,
Supreme Court nominees, immigration, sanctity of life, poverty and
worldwide Christian persecution. Dr. Carson will open the event with a
welcome and challenge on the importance of unity in seeking God's for
our nation, and key leaders will ask questions within their respective
areas of expertise.
"We know over the past four election cycles, an average of more than
25 million Evangelicals registered to vote did not show up at the
polls, and another 13 million are not even registered to exercise that
privilege and responsibility," said Bill Dallas, the originator of the
gathering and CEO of United in Purpose, an inclusive non-partisan
organization committed to bringing about cultural change in America
based on Judeo-Christian principles and motivating and mobilizing
people of faith in the democratic process through responsible
citizenship.
"The purpose of this event is not to tell leaders for whom they
should vote but rather educate them on the issues at hand, motivate
them to encourage their constituencies to engage the culture, and
activate them to vote for whichever candidate they feel best reflects
their values and worldview," Dallas continued.
Leaders will also hear from a number of prominent speakers,
including researcher George Barna, founder of The Barna Group, who will
address the attendees on the State of the Country and New York Times
bestselling author and national radio host, Eric Metaxas, who will
provide a vision for America.
Additionally, a panel discussion with conveners of the event will
provide a time of reflection on what has been learned and discuss
action steps moving forward. The entire day will include a prayerful
spirit and call to unity.
Following the event, at 3:30 p.m. EDT, organizers and conveners will
hold a press
conference
in the Wilder Room at the Marriott Marquis Hotel to summarize the
scope, substance and takeaways of the more than 1,000 leaders.
Individuals in attendance include Dallas, My Faith Votes Founder and
President Sealy Yates, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins,
Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser, First Liberty
Institute President and CEO Kelly Shackelford, Esq., Hispanic Action
Network Founder Pastor Mark Gonzales and American Civil Rights Union
Fellow Ken Blackwell.
"This is not a political rally, but rather an opportunity to unify
leaders spiritually in worship and pray together and interact with a
candidate in a way that can have a profound impact on our nation," said
Dallas. "Our society often exalts those with the most influence but the
real impact is all of us coming together. As Christian leaders, we must
engage – not just in politics, but in all areas of culture. Jointly, we
can make a difference."
The June 21 meeting is not a fundraiser or a campaign event, nor
will it engage in debate. Leaders of virtually every one of the
nation's most significant denominations, Christian ministries and
policy organizations, as well as many pastors of America's leading
churches will be in attendance.
Each of the prominent Christian leaders has their own, diverse
opinions, positions and constituencies. Having a direct, private
conversation with Trump is a part of the process of hearing him and
being heard by him about issues of faith that affect all
people. The
group will not be making any joint or collective endorsements,
decisions or statements.
For additional information about the organizer, United in Purpose,
visit http://www.unitedinpurpose.org.
FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Kristin Cole
New York City Clergy Unite for A
Moral Agenda Press Conference