Embedded in the historical narrative of the Democratic Party is the indisputable fact that somewhere in the 1970’s and solidified in the 1980’s, this party lost its faith. Suddenly, in the 21st Century of Blue and Red states, John Kerry and Al Gore discovered that America is without a doubt, a religious and spiritual nation. Hence, on the Road to Damascus (Pennsylvania Ave), Democratic Presidential hopefuls have seen the “light”. Does this benefit our Nation? Absolutely!

Contrary to popular opinion, the three most admired Republicans are not Lincoln, Reagan and Jesus Christ. You can’t blame the GOP for taking advantage of the Democratic Parties egregious strategic decision to abandon the faith conversation. However, the stranglehold must come to an end. Our country does not benefit by any party manipulating the faith conversation. In the matter of fact, by embracing Faith again, the Democratic Party can accomplish the following:

1. Expand the faith and family values agenda to include Poverty, health care, AIDS, Darfur, Economic and other social justice issues in addition to Life and family issues. These are not Democratic or Republican issues, this is Luke Chapter 4: 18 and 19.

2. Attract Latino Voters. 44% Voted for Bush in 2004. The exit polls indicated that Faith was the driving impetus behind the Latino affinity towards Bush.(I believe the recent immigration debacle may provoke Latinos to reconsider crossing the aisle and sitting in other pews). Without faith, the Democrats will never attract a viable Hispanic constituency.

Christians and people of all faiths cannot be the extension of one particular party. We must be able to speak truth to power regardless of the platform. We are citizens of God’s Kingdom First. This is how righteousness and Justice will prevail.