HOMOGENOUS LEADERSHIP GROUP

One GOP gubernatorial candidate trying to find a way out of the pack appears to have put his foot in it. Former Speaker of the House Tom Leonard recently announced in late February a “Statewide Faith & Freedom Coalition,” which includes Pastor James Brabson and Pastor Tim Berlin of Trinity Baptist Church in Flushing; Pastor Jason Georges of Immanuel Baptist Church in Curunna; Pastor Tom Jordan of Calvary Chapel in Waterford; Pastor Dan White of Fellowship Baptist Church in Clarklake...you get the picture. While there may be faith leaders from around Michigan, they all appear to be of one faith, and one ethnicity. In a release, Leonard said: “Michigan was built by communities of faith who believed in personal responsibility, strong families, and servant leadership. This coalition represents pastors and leaders who understand that faith is something that informs and inspires how we govern, guides why we serve, and anchors our respect for the rule of law.” The release further said, “The Faith & Freedom Coalition will focus on strengthening family values, protecting religious liberty and ensuring that Michigan remains a state where people of faith can live and work freely without government interference.” When asked about the striking lack of diversity of faiths represented, the campaign said this was just round one, and they expect to expand, although some faith leaders are reticent to publicly support the Leonard campaign. The more it appears as a “one faith group” it’s likely they’ll continue to resist.

Tom Leonard