Republican presidential candidates Ben Carson, Ted Cruz, Rick Santorum and Mike Huckabee are reportedly confirmed for a “North Texas Presidential Forum” on Oct. 18, 3 p.m., at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Plano, Texas.
The debate is co-sponsored by the 40,000-member megachurch led by Jack Graham, former Southern Baptist Convention president, and the Faith & Freedom Coalition, a group founded by Christian Coalition organizer Ralph Reed.
Graham said, “As Christians, it is critical that we take seriously our rights as citizens of this great country by educating ourselves on all candidates in any election and to participate fully in the election process by voting our values.”
‘Great opportunity’
“We cannot afford to stand on the sidelines as our Christian values are continually trampled. This forum is a great opportunity to hear from each of the candidates seeking to lead our country,” he said.
Most of the Republican candidates — including Marco Rubio, Donald Trump, Chris Christie, Carly Fiorina, Rand Paul, Jeb Bush, Bobby Jindal and Lindsay Graham — also are invited. So are Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.
Participants will be invited to address the audience for 10 minutes, followed by a 10-minute center stage discussion with Graham about the importance of faith in public life.
‘Increasingly concerned’
Timothy Head, executive director of the Faith & Freedom Coalition, said evangelical Christians and faithful Catholics “are increasingly concerned about perceived hostility toward faith in America.”
“Leading voices of faith are taking a clear stand for the fundamental American principle that no one of any faith should be compelled by government to violate their conscience or deeply held faith,” Head said.
“The North Texas Presidential Forum will be an excellent opportunity for prospective leaders to convince thousands of faith-filled Americans that they too will stand unflinchingly for the fundamental rights of faith and freedom.”
(Baptist News Global)
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