WASHINGTON, March 19, 2001 - In preparation for today's Senate debate on the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2001 (S. 27), 286 religious leaders-including 86 Lutheran, Methodist, Episcopalian and Roman Catholic Bishops from 44 states, 20 United Church of Christ Conference Ministers and the President of the Reform Jewish Movement's synagogue arm-have called upon members of Congress to support the reform of current campaign finance laws. In a letter sent to every Senator, the religious leaders call the McCain-Feingold bill a "significant first step in building fairness and public confidence in our system of government."

Insisting that campaign finance reform is "much more than a political or economic matter," the religious leaders urge members of the Senate to help society "regain its ethical footing" by setting an example and supporting meaningful campaign finance reform.

The full text of the letter and signatories follows:

Religious Leaders For Campaign Finance Reform
c/o National Council of Churches, 110 Maryland Ave., NE, Washington, DC 20002

March 16, 2001

Dear Senator:

As religious leaders we renew our call for campaign finance reform. Four years ago, many of us in an open letter to Congress called for the passage of meaningful campaign finance reform. The resulting coalition, Religious Leaders for Campaign Finance Reform, has worked since then with public interest groups in Washington, DC, and across the nation on a variety of reform efforts. We, the undersigned, once again come together to insist on reform, beginning with the McCain/Feingold bill to ban "soft money."

As religious leaders committed to the restoration of a sense of ethics and fairness in our society, we believe that campaign finance reform is much more than a political or economic matter. Wide scale cynicism about the value of one's vote is undercutting America's faith in government. Respect for public service is being further eroded by the current campaign finance system, which gives the appearance that political access and favors are for sale to the highest bidder. Without substantial reform we see further erosion in the public trust that politicians are committed to the common good, not just to wealthy special interests.

Senators John McCain and Russ Feingold have made enactment of comprehensive campaign finance reform a priority of this legislative session. They have reached across partisan lines in gathering support for their long-standing effort. Their bill includes many of the elements we regard as most critical, including a ban on "soft money" contributions to national political parties, more effective regulation of "issue ads," and greater disclosure of campaign contributions. We urge Congress to pass the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2001 (S. 27). We further urge Members to support the bill in its current form in order to restore credibility to the democratic process and ensure that persons and groups with extraordinary wealth do not continue to have undue influence in our elections. While further reform, including voluntary major public financing of election campaigns, will undoubtedly be necessary, the McCain-Feingold bill is a significant first step in building fairness and public confidence in our system of government.

If our society is to regain its ethical footing, our elected officials must set an example and lead the way. Congress now faces an historic opportunity to enact long-overdue reform. By taking the first step of passing the McCain-Feingold bill, you will help restore a sense of ethics and fairness to American democracy.

Sincerely,

The Rev. H. George Anderson, Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Bishop Dimitrios Couchell, Ecumenical Officer, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

The Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar, General Secretary,

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA

The Rev. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, General Secretary, Reformed Church in America

The Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold, Presiding Bishop and Primate, Episcopal Church, USA

The Rev. Dr. Richard L. Hamm, General Minister and President,

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the U.S. and Canada

The Very Rev. Arthur M. Johnson, SA, Minister General, Franciscan Friars of the Atonement

Mary Ellen McNish, General Secretary, American Friends Service Committee

The Rev. Judith Mills Reimer, Executive Director, Church of the Brethren General Board

Metropolitan Philip Saliba, Primate,

Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

The Rev. Dr. Robert E. Sawyer, President, Moravian Church in America, Southern Province

The Rev. Dr. William L. Shaw, President, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

Bishop Paul A. Stewart, Sr., Ecumenical Officer, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Bishop Melvin G. Talbert, Ecumenical Officer, Council of Bishops, United Methodist Church

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus, Diocesan Bishop, Mar Thoma Church

The Rev. John Thomas, President, United Church of Christ

Rabbi Eric Yoffie, President, Union of American Hebrew Congregations

Alaska:

The Rev. Ronald D. Martinson, Bishop, Alaska Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Cally Rogers-Witte, Conference Minister, Southwest Conference

(Arizona and New Mexico), United Church of Christ

The Rev. Howard E. Wennes, Bishop, Grand Canyon Synod (Arizona, Nevada),

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Mimi Dortch, Executive Director, Arkansas Interfaith Conference

Sr. Elise Forst, OSB, Prioress, St. Scholastica Monastery

Mr. Scott D. Anderson, Executive Director, California Church IMPACT

Sr. Elizabeth Brown, OSB, Prioress, Benedictine Sisters of St. Lucy's Priory

Sr. Sheila Browne, RSM, President,

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Auburn Regional Community

Sr. Carmel Crimmins, RSM, Social Justice Coordinator, Sisters of Mercy U.S. Province

The Rev. Paul W. Egertson, Bishop, Southern California (West) Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Murray D. Finck, Bishop, Pacifica Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Dr. Jane E. Heckles, Conference Minister, Southern California-Nevada Conference,

United Church of Christ

Sr. Marion Irvine, OP, Promoter of Social Justice, Dominican Sisters of San Rafael

Bishop Charles W. Jordan, Retired; The United Methodist Church, Upland, CA

The Rev. Phil Lawson, President, Northern California Interreligious Conference

The Rev. Robert W. Mattheis, Bishop, Sierra Pacific Synod (California, Northern Nevada),

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Jeannette McDermott, MMS, Western Coordinator, Medical Mission Sisters

Sr. Maureen O'Connor, CNJ, President, Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet-Western Province

The Rev. R. Richard Roe, Interim Executive Director,

Council of Churches of Santa Clara County

The Rev. Ginny Wagener, Executive Director, South Coast Ecumenical Council

Sr. Lorna Walsh, Regional Superior, Sisters of the Sacred Heart

Bishop Melvin E. Wheatley, Retired; The United Methodist Church, Laguna Hills, CA

The Rev. Allan C. Bjornberg, Bishop, Rocky Mountain Synod (Colorado, New Mexico,

Northwest Texas, Utah, Wyoming), Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., The United Methodist Church, Denver Area --

Rocky Mountain Annual Conference; Yellowstone Annual Conference

Bishop Richard C. Hanifen, Bishop, Diocese of Colorado Springs, Roman Catholic Church

The Rev. Lynne M. Simcox, Interim Conference Minister, Rocky Mountain Conference

(Colorado, Utah, Wyoming), United Church of Christ

Sr. Judith A. Carey, RSM, Regional President,

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Regional Community of Connecticut

The Rev. Margaret G. Payne, Bishop, New England Synod (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,

New Hampshire, Northeast New York, Rhode Island, Vermont),

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Teresa Ann Sheehan, CSJ, Province Coordinator for Justice,

Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery

The Rev. Stephen J. Sidorak, Jr., Hartford, Connecticut

The Rev. J. Daryl Byler, Director, Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Washington Office

Sr. Patricia J. Chappel, President, National Black Sisters Conference

Marie Dennis, Director, Maryknoll Office of Global Concerns

Fr. Robert F. Drinan, SJ, Professor, Society of Jesus

Ms. Tiffany L. Heath, Interim Legislative Director, Church Women United Washington Office

The Rev. Ken Brooker Langston, Co-Convener, Disciples Advocacy Washington Network,

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

The Rev. Greg Laszakovits, Coordinator, Washington Office,

Church of the Brethren General Board

The Rev. V. Paul Ojibway, SA, Director,

Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute/Washington

Rabbi David Saperstein, Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism

The Rev. Theodore F. Schneider, Bishop, Metropolitan Washington, D.C., Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Ron Stief, Minister and Team Leader, Public Life and Social Policy Ministry,

United Church of Christ Justice and Witness Ministries

Bishop Wayne K. Clymer, Retired; The United Methodist Church, Bradenton, FL

Bishop Ralph E. Dodge, Retired; The United Methodist Church, Inverness, FL

Georgia:

The Rev. Timothy C. Downs, Conference Minister, Southeast Conference

(Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina), United Church of Christ

Bishop C.W. Hancock, Retired; The United Methodist Church, Macon, GA

Bishop Marshall L. Meadors, Jr., Retired; The United Methodist Church, Atlanta, GA

The Rev. Ronald B. Warren, Bishop, Southeastern Synod

(Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee), Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Karen M. Donahue, RSM, Issues Coordinator, Justice Team, Sisters of Mercy

The Rev. Warren D. Freiheit, Bishop, Central/Southern Illinois Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Carol Pacini, LCM, Province Leader, American Province of Little Company of Mary Sisters

Sr. Mary Peters, RC, Provincial, North American Provincialate of Religious of the Cenacle

Sr. Marianne Race, CSJ, President, Sisters of St. Joseph/LaGrange

Sr. Frances Thibodeau, OP, Provincial Councilor, Dominicans of the Roman Congregation

Sr. Mary Jean Traegar, Prioress General, Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois

Sr. Joan Winkler, Provincial Superior, Hospital Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis

Dr. Lea Woll, SLW, Leadership Team, Sisters of the Living Word

The Rev. Gary M. Wollersheim, Bishop, Northern Illinois Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Rachel Best, OSB, Prioress, Our Lady of Grace Monastery

Sr. Christina Crawford, CSJ, Leader, Charity and Justice Committee

Sr. Joanne Dewald, OCD, Prioress, Carmelite Monastery

Bishop R. Sheldon Duecker, Retired; The United Methodist Church, Fort Wayne, IN

James V. Dougans, Ministry Coordinator, Indiana Partners for Christian Unity and Mission

Sr. Patricia Dunne, Provincial Councilor, Daughters of Charity

The Rev. Stephen C. Gray, Conference Minister, Indiana-Kentucky Conference,

United Church of Christ

Dr. Jeanette Halbach, OLVm, President, Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters

Sr. Jenny Howard, SP, General Councilor, Sisters of Providence

Sr. Ann Oestrich, IHM, Justice Coordinator, Sisters of the Holy Cross

Sr. Mary Ann Stoffregen, Leadership Team, Sisters of St. Francis

The Rev. James R. Stuck, Bishop, Indiana-Kentucky Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Philip L. Hougen, Bishop, Southeastern Iowa Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Susan J. Ingham, Conference Minister, Iowa Conference, United Church of Christ

Sr. Joellen McCarthy, PVM, President, Sisters of Charity

The Rev. Curtis H. Miller, Bishop, Western Iowa Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, The United Methodist Church, Iowa

Sr. Joy Peterson, President, Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Sr. Jacqueline Prevencher, OP, General Councilor,

Dominican Sisters of the Roman Congregation

Sr. Mary Collins, OSB, Prioress, Mount St. Scholastica

Sr. Germanna Doll, OP, Prioress, Dominican Sisters of Great Bend

The Rev. John Krueger, Conference Minister, Kansas-Oklahoma Conference,

United Church of Christ

Sr. Patricia Lynch, Major Superior, Ursuline Sisters

Sr. Jo Ann Mark, ASC, Province Councilor, Adorers of the Blood of Christ

Sr. Patricia McLennon, CSJ, President, Sisters of Saint Joseph

Bishop James R. King, Jr., The United Methodist Church, Kentucky Conference Provost

Sr. Shaline O'Souza, SCM, Vice President, Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Kentucky

Sr. Sarah Stauble, President, Ursuline Sisters

Bishop William W. Hutchinson, The United Methodist Church, Louisiana

Sr. Maeve McMahon, OP, Region Prioress, Dominican Sisters

Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ, Author & Prison Minister, Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille, New Orleans

The Rev. Jean Alexander, Conference Minister, Maine Conference, United Church of Christ

Sr. Monique Belanger, OP, Provincial Prioress, Dominican Sisters of the Roman Congregation

Thomas Ewell, Executive Director, Maine Council of Churches

Sr. Carole Jean Lappa, RSR, Regional Coordinator, Sisters of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary

Sr. Colette Ackerman, OCD, Prioress, Carmelite Sisters of Baltimore

Sr. Marie Chin, RSM, President, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas

Sr. Carol Durbin, DC, Provincial Councilor, Daughters of Charity

Sr. Patricia Kirk, OSB, Prioress, Benedictine Sisters

The Rev. H. Gerard Knoche, Bishop, Delaware-Maryland Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Bishop Forrest C. Stith, Retired; The United Methodist Church, Largo, MD

Bishop Joseph H. Yeakel, Retired; The United Methodist Church, Smithsburg, MD

The Rev. Dr. Chris Hobgood, Regional Minister, Capital Area,

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Sr. Rena Mae Gagnon, PFM, Regional Superior, Little Franciscans of Mary

Bishop Susan W. Hassinger, The United Methodist Church, Boston Area

Sr. Stefanine Loi, SMM, Delegate General, Xaverian Missionary Sisters

Sr. Ruth McGoldwick, SP, President, Sisters of Providence

Sr. Jane F. Morrissey, SSJ, President, Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield

Sr. Maura Ryan, SCC, U.S. Area Tour Coordinator, Columban Sisters

Sr. Claudia Ward, CDP, Provincial, Sisters of Divine Providence

Bishop Jesse R. DeWitt, Retired; The United Methodist Church, Ann Arbor, MI

The Rev. John E. Dister, SJ, Provincial Assistant for Social Ministry,

Detroit Province of the Society of Jesus

Sr. Mary Ann Fedor, Treasurer, Dominican Sisters of Oxford

Sr. Janet Fleischhacker, SSJ, President, Sisters of St. Joseph

Sr. Cecilia Clara Fosuboue, mc, President, Consolata Missionary Sisters

The Rev. Daniel J. Fox, OFM Cap, Provincial Minister, Order Friars Minor Capuchin

Sr. Mary Katherine Hamilton, IHM, Vice President,

Sisters, Servants of Immaculate Heart of Mary

The Rev. Gary L. Hansen, Bishop, North/West Lower Michigan Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Margaret Hoey, Provincial, Sisters of Mary Reparatrix

The Rev. Robert A. Rimbo, Bishop, Southeast Michigan Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Kent J. Ulery, Conference Minister, Michigan Conference, United Church of Christ

Sr. Linda Werthman, RSM, President,

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Regional Community of Detroit

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, Bishop, Saint Paul Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Arlen D. Hermodson, Bishop, Northwestern Minnesota Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Cathy Heying, Justice Education & Action Coordinator, Church of St. Stephen

Bishop John L. Hopkins, The United Methodist Church, Minnesota Area

The Rev. Glenn W. Nycklemoe, Bishop, Southeastern Minnesota Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. E. Peter Strommen, Bishop, Northeastern Minnesota Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Robert G. Walz, Director, Congregations in Community,

Saint Paul Area Council of Churches

Sr. Mary Wolfe, Regional Directress, Franciscan Sisters of St. Paul, Minnesota

Sr. Susan Borgel, CPPS, Superior General, Sisters of the Most Precious Blood of O'Fallon

Sr. Richard Mary Burke, RSM, President,

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Regional Community of St. Louis, Missouri

Sr. Patricia Connolly, DC, Councilor, Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul

The Rev. A. Gayle Engel, Conference Minister, Missouri Mid-South Conference,

United Church of Christ

Sr. Kathleen Hughes, Provincial, Religious of the Sacred Heart

Sr. Jacqueline Motzel, FSM, President, Franciscan Sisters of Mary

Sr. Diana Oleskevich, CSJA, Social Justice Coordinator, Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet

Sr. Kathleen Reichert, OSF, Provincial, Sisters of St. Francis of Savannah, Missouri

The Rev. Dr. John M. Schaeffer, Conference Minister, Montana-Northern Wyoming Conference,

United Church of Christ

The Rev. David L. deFreeze, Bishop, Nebraska Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Patricia Forret, RSM, President,

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Regional Community of Omaha

The Rev. Benjamin Crosby, Conference Minister, New Hampshire Conference,

United Church of Christ

The Rev. John W. Lynes, Conference Minister, New Hampshire Conference,

United Church of Christ

The Rev. William McConnell, Interim Conference Minister, New Hampshire Conference,

United Church of Christ

The Rev. Dr. John R. Deckenback, Conference Minister, Central Atlantic Conference

(New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia), United Church of Christ

Sr. Joan Doyle, Major Superior, Sisters of St. Dominic

The Rev. Stephen Giordano, President, Bergen County Council of Churches

The Rev. E. Roy Riley, Jr., Bishop, New Jersey Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Diane Szubrowski, RSM, President,

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Regional Community of New Jersey

Sr. Linda Chavez, National Coordinator, Sisters of Charity-Las Hermanas USA

Sr. Jean Amore, CSJ, President, Sisters of St. Joseph

Sr. Rosemary Bellantine, CSJ, Regional Superior, Sisters of St. Joseph

Sr. Diane Bernier, SA, President, Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement

The Rev. Martin Boler, OSB, Prior, Mount Saviour Monastery

The Rev. Stephen P. Bouman, Bishop, Metropolitan New York Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Catherine Cleary, President, Sisters of the Presentation

Sr. Francesca Cloutier, Director of Pastoral Care, Roman Congregation of St. Dominic

Sr. Joan Deering, Regional Superior, Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood

Sr. Louise Gallahue, DC, Provincial, Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul

Barbara J. George, Interim Executive Director, Broome County Council of Churches

The Rev. Thomas W. Goodhue, Executive Director, Long Island Council of Churches

Sr. Alene Grothlies, Provincial Superior, Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Sr. Joan Haberling, Congregational Councilor, Sisters of Charity, Halifax

The Rev. Dr. John E. Hiemstra, Executive Director,

Council of Churches of the City of New York

Sr. Nancy Hoff, RSM, President,

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Regional Community of Buffalo

Sr. Eileen Hogan, RSM, Leadership Team,

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Regional Community of Connecticut

Sr. Mary Hughes, OP, Prioress, Sisters of St. Dominic

Sr. Virginia Johnson, RCD, President, Sisters of Our Lady of Christian Doctrine

Bishop Ernest S. Lyght, The United Methodist Church, New York

Sr. Mary McCarnick, OSF, Provincial Minister,

Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity of Holy Name Province

Sr. Philomena M. McCortney, Prioress, Dominican Sisters of Hope

The Rev. Lee M. Miller, Bishop, Upstate New York Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Bishop Susan M. Morrison, The United Methodist Church, Albany, NY

Richard N. Myers, Greater Rochester Community of Churches

The Rev. John D. Paarlberg, Minister for Social Witness and Worship,

Reformed Church in America

Sr. Agnes Pataki, District Moderator (Provincial), Sisters of Social Service

Sr. Barbara Pavlic, SNJM, Provincial Leader, Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

Sr. Sheila Stevenson, RSM, President,

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Regional Community of Rochester

Sr. M. Paulette Tirone, FSSJ, General Minister, Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph

The Rev. Leonard H. Bolick, Bishop, North Carolina Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Bishop Charlene P. Kammerer, The United Methodist Church, Charlotte, NC - Western Area

Sr. M. Rosalind Picot, RSM, President,

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Regional Community of North Carolina

The Rev. Duane C. Danielson, Bishop, Western North Dakota Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Marlyss Dionne, Provincial, Sisters of Mary of the Presentation

The Rev. Richard J. Foss, Bishop, Eastern North Dakota Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Bernadine Baltrinic, OP, President, Sisters of St. Dominic

Sr. Elizabeth M. Bowyer, SND, Provincial Administrator, Sisters of Notre Dame de Nassur

Sr. Maryann Bremke, CPPS, President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

The Rev. Dr. Charles S. Brown, Ohio Baptist General Convention

The Rev. John A. Dainty, Executive Director, Akron Area Association of Churches

Sr. Evelyn Flowers, CSA, Council Member, Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine

The Rt. Rev. J. Clark Grew, II, Bishop, Episcopal Church - Diocese of Ohio

Sr. Nancy Hendershot, CSA, Congregational Leader, Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine

The Rev. Callon W. Holloway, Jr., Bishop, Southern Ohio Synod,Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Sharon Hovelak, Executive Council, Sisters of St. Francis

Sr. Elizabeth Lang, Superior, Ursulines of Cincinnati

Bishop Nathaniel Linsey, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church - Ohio

The Rev. Marcus C. Lohrmann, Bishop, Northwestern Ohio Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Bishop Bruce R. Ough, The United Methodist Church, Ohio West Area

Ms. Edith Patton, Interim Synod Exec., Synod of the Convenant, Presbyterian Church (USA)

The Rev. Ralph Quellhorst, United Church of Christ, Ohio Conference

Sr. Marjorie Rudemiller, RSM, President,

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Regional Community of Cincinnati

Sr. Christine Rudy, VSC, General Superior, Vincentian Sisters of Charity

Sr. Mary Schrader, Congregational Leadership Team, Congregation of St. Joseph

Sr. Lucy Silvio, CSJ, President, Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille

Sr. Virginia Welsh, Community Minister, Sisters of St. Francis

Sr. Marie Ballmann, OSB, Prioress, Sisters of Benedict, Red Plains Monastery

Bishop Bruce P. Blake, The United Methodist Church, Oklahoma Area

The Rev. Floyd M. Schoenhals, Bishop, Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Dorothy Jean Beyer, Prioress, Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel

Sr. Mary Timothy McHatten, OP, Educator, Sisters of the Roman Congregation

The Rev. Paul R. Swanson, Bishop, Oregon Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Roy G. Almquist, Bishop, Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Bishop George W. Bashore, Retired; The United Methodist Church, Pittsburgh, PA

Sr. Mary Ellen Bennett, OP, President, Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine de Ricci

Mrs. Gwen N. Bernstine, Executive Director, United Churches of Lycoming County

Sr. Roberta Campbell, Prioress, Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh

The Rev. Juan Cobrda, Bishop, Slovak Zion Synod (Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Illinois,

Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio), Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Jo Anne Courneen, RSM, President,

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Erie Regional Community

Sr. Monique Dietz, President, Ladies of Bethany

The Rev. Guy S. Edmiston, Bishop, Lower Susquehanna Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Gary L. Harke, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Council of Churches

Sr. Marian Iggruccio, SF, Superior, School Sisters of St. Francis

Bishop Neil L. Irons, The United Methodist Church, Harrisburg Area

The Rev. K. Joy Kaufmann, Director for Public Advocacy, Pennsylvania Council of Churches

Sr. Patricia Kelly, SSJ, President, Sisters of St. Joseph, Chestnut Hill

The Rev. Kenneth G. Leischner, Interim Conference Minister, Penn West Conference,

United Church of Christ

Sr. Marie Lucey, OSF, President, Congregational Minister, Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia

The Rev. A. Donald Main, Bishop, Upper Susquehanna Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Christine McCann, RSM, President,

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Regional Community of Merion, Pennsylvnaia

Sr. Catherine McGrarty, RSM, Regional President,

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Dallas, Pennsylvania, Region

The Rev. F. Russell Mitman, Conference Minister, Pennsylvania Southeast Conference,

United Church of Christ

Sr. Pat O'Donnell, OSF, General Councilor, Sisters of Saint Francis, Millvale

The Rev. Gregory R. Pile, Bishop, Allegheny Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Nancy Prenatt, SSJ, Leadership, Sisters of St. Joseph, Northwest Pennsylvania

Sr. Mary Ellese Rufft, Provincial Director, Sisters of Divine Providence

Sr. M. Rosaria Shinn, Provincial Superior, School Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis

The Rev. David R. Strobel, Bishop, Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Bishop Peter D. Weaver, The United Methodist Church, Philadelphia Area

The Rev. Francisco L. Sosa, Bishop, Caribbean Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Sharon Key, Interim Executive Director, Rhode Island State Council of Churches

Bishop C. Dale White, Retired; The United Methodist Church, Newport, RI

The Rev. David A. Donges, Bishop, South Carolina Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Andrea F. DeGroot-Nesdahl, Bishop, South Dakota Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Billeaud, CDP, Superior General, Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence

The Rev. Paul J. Blom, Bishop, Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Heloise Cruzat, OP, Prioress, Dominican Sisters of Houston

Sr. Marie Irma Gonzalez, Superior General, Incarnate Word Sisters

The Rev. Sally S. Johnson, Beacon Hill Presbyterian Church, San Antonio

The Rev. Kevin S. Kanouse, Bishop, Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Bishop Joel N. Martinez, The United Methodist Church, San Antonio, TX

Sr. Teresa Stanley, General Superior,

Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word

The Rev. Ray Tiemann, Bishop, Southwestern Texas Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Bishop Ray W. Chamberlain, Jr., The United Methodist Church, Holston, TN

Bishop Rueben P. Job, Retired; The United Methodist Church, Goodlettsville, TN

Bishop H. Hasbrouck Hughes, Jr, Retired; The United Methodist Church, Williamsburg, VA

The Rev. Bill Quigley, CICM, Provincial, Missionhurst-CICM

The Rev. David T. Alger, Executive Director, Associated Ministries

The Rev. Randy Hyvonen, Conference Minister, Washington-North Idaho Conference,

United Church of Christ

The Rev. Donald H. Maier, Bishop, Northwest Washington Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. David C. Wold, Bishop, Southwestern Washington Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Bishop S. Clifton Ives, The United Methodist Church, West Virginia

Sr. Jean Ackerman, OP, President, Racine Dominicans

The Rev. Robert D. Berg, Bishop, Northwest Synod of Wisconsin,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Jon S. Enslin, Bishop, South-Central Synod of Wisconsin,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. James A. Justman, Bishop, East Central Synod of Wisconsin,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. April Ulring Larson, Bishop, LaCrosse Area Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Mary Mollison, CSA, General Superior, Congregation of Sisters of Saint Agnes

Bishop Donald A. Ott, Retired; The United Methodist Church, Pewaukee, WI

Sr. Joan Puls, President, School Sisters of St. Francis

The Rev. Peter Rogness, Bishop, Greater Milwaukee Synod,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sr. Susan S. Snyder, OP, President, Kenosha Dominican Sisters