Interfaith Impact of New York State Reform Jewish Voice of New York State
646 State St. 633 Third Avenue
Albany, NY 12198 New York, NY 10017
518-441-3231 202-387-2800
www.interfaithimpactnys.org www.rjvnys.org
CONTACT: Robb Smith, 518-441-3231 CONTACT: Juliana Schnur, 202-387-2800
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 17, 2011
INTERFAITH GROUPS ADVOCATE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY, REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING
Albany, NY (May 17, 2011) — Progressive religious advocates from Reform Jewish Voice of New York State (RJV) and Interfaith Impact of New York State (IINYS) and took to the State Capital this week in support of marriage equality, the Reproductive Health Act, and an independent redistricting commission.
Same-Sex Marriage
Robb Smith, Executive Director of IINYS, said, “The definition of religious marriage should be up to each religion and will vary. The principle of church-state separation requires a distinction between religious marriage and civil marriage. People of faith and goodwill can and do disagree about what constitutes marriage; however, New York law should not impose a single, religiously biased definition of marriage on all citizens. The legislature should not try to decide religious questions. Civil marriage is a civil right and should be permitted to same-sex couples.”
Honey Heller and Donald C. Cutler, co-chairs of RJV said, “As part of its long-standing commitment to welcoming gay and lesbian couples into our communities and congregations, the Reform Jewish movement supports full civil marriage rights for same-sex couples. Our religious values and principles affirm that we are all created b’tselem Elohim, in the image of God, and charge us ‘to love our neighbor as ourselves.’”
Reproductive Health
Rabbi Dennis S. Ross, director of Concerned Clergy for Choice, a multi-faith network of 1,000 clergy, said, "New York, was one of the first states to leagalize abortion in 1970. The statute, a bold step forward for its time, needs to be updated to protect the women of New York State and the medical providers who care for them. Our multi-faith, statewide network of 1,000 clergy believes the Reproductive Health Act, when passed, will ensure that women will be able to get the medical services they believe to be right for them."
Donald C. Cutler, co-chair of RJV, said, “While our tradition places great importance on the sanctity of life, the Reform Jewish movement places equal importance on respect for, and sanctity of the human body. Because of this dual perspective, Reform Judaism affirms the right of a woman to make individual choices about her reproductive health. It is within that tradition that the Reform Jewish Voice supports passage of the Reproductive Health Act.”
The Rev. Dr. Richard Gilbert, president of IINYS said, “Our religious traditions affirm that life is sacred, but different religious traditions have different beliefs about when personhood begins. No single religious voice can speak for all faith traditions on abortion, nor should the government take sides on religious differences. We affirm women as moral agents who have the capacity, right and responsibility to make the decision, with their doctors, as to whether or not abortion is justified in their specific circumstance.”
Independent Redistricting Commission
Honey Heller, co-chair of RJV, said, “Jewish tradition has long recognized not only the importance of government, but also the positive role that governments can play in establishing a society of tzedek v’shalom, justice and peace. Laws covering the conduct of our elected leaders of New York State government clearly need to be strengthened. Our tradition teaches us that the process of choosing leaders is not a privilege but a collective responsibility. The Sage Hillel taught: al tifrus min hatzibur, do not separate yourself from the community.”
“To ensure fairness and principled leadership,” Heller continued, “RJV supports a good government agenda that includes redistricting reform. A major goal and the hallmark of this reform would be an independent, non-partisan new Redistricting Commission that draws districts to best represent New Yorkers.”
IINYS President the Rev. Dr. Richard Gilbert, said, “Our faith traditions call on us to strive for a just and ethical government. We believe that strong communities require equal representation in the Legislature. We therefore call for an independent, non-partisan redistricting commission to create fair legislative districts and ensure that the state’s districts adhere to the principle of one person, one vote. District boundaries should reflect the common good and not favor political parties or incumbents.
Rev. Gilbert added that IINYS opposes any bill that would delay redistricting reform until the 2022 legislative session.
*****
RJV engages more than 100 Reform congregations in New York State with nearly 100,000 members as advocates for progressive social and economic policies at the state level. RJV brings Reform Jewish values and the spirit of tikkun olam – repairing the world – to state policy makers through this extensive network of individuals and congregations.
IINYS represents congregations, clergy and lay leaders from mainline Protestant, Reform Jewish, Unitarian Universalist, and other faith traditions across the state working for the common good through progressive religious values.
For more information about RJV, visit www.rjvnys.org. For information about Interfaith Impact, visit www.interfaithimpactnys.org.
# # #
