Rabbi Saperstein: "As the leading activist on sustainability and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for his advocacy on climate change, we couldn't ask for a better activist than Vice President Gore give the opening address."
Contact: Eric Harris
202.387.2800 | news@rac.org
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 25, 2011 -- The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism announced today that former Vice President Al Gore will give the opening keynote address at the 2011 Consultation on Conscience. Earlier today, Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center issued the following statement:
From May 1-3, 2011, the Religious Action Center will host our biennial Consultation on Conscience, Reform Judaism's flagship public policy conference. This year's Consultation will celebrate the Center's 50th Anniversary, paying tribute to our Movement's five decades in pursuit of social justice and looking toward our future.
We are honored and delighted that Vice President Gore has agreed to deliver the opening address at the 2011 Consultation. Over the years, the Religious Action Center has been fortunate to host some of the world's most influential and effective activists, elected officials, and Jewish leaders. Vice President Gore continues this proud tradition. As the leading activist on sustainability and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for his advocacy on climate change, we couldn't ask for a better activist than Vice President Gore to give the opening address, especially while the country continues to focus on ways it can advance the green economy and address our growing energy concerns.
Consultation on Conscience speakers like the Vice President will be discussing the issues that shape our public discourse and will help our participants explore the connection between Jewish texts and current events, building strong social action and advocacy skills to use in their communities. Elie Wiesel, President Clinton, Julian Bond, the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senator John McCain are among the scores of Administration officials, senators, representatives and other dignitaries who have spoken at this conference over the years.
Note to reporters/editors: For more information on the Consultation on Conscience, visit www.rac.org/consultation