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A New Progressive Alliance
“Despite talk of ‘culture wars’ and the high visibility of activist
groups on both sides of the cultural divide, there has been no
polarization of the public into liberal and conservative camps,” the
Pew Research Center said, commenting on its poll of 2,003 American
adults.
Despite the
fact that Americans are not actually divided by a “culture war,”
(a.k.a. the religious values vs. secular values debate) our public
discourse on a myriad of social issues is still marked by fanaticism
and extremes. To address this void is A New Progressive Alliance,
which clearly states that we will not be divided along religious
lines. A New Progressive Alliance is a call for unity between
secular and religious progressives. This groundbreaking letter
recognizes that secular and religious progressives share a common
commitment to human rights, religious freedom, peace and social
justice and that we must work together if we are to create a better
world. Humanists of Florida Association (HFA) board member Jeff
Nall, wrote this statement with assistance from HFA executive
director Jennifer Hancock and Harvard University’s Humanist Chaplain
Greg Epstein. Over 40 individuals and groups from all walks of life
and a variety of religious backgrounds have endorsed this statement,
which affirms that progressive Americans share a common tradition of
Humanism dating back to at least the Renaissance.
Questions
for the Guest
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Why is a New
Progressive Alliance needed?
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Who are some
of the signers of this letter?
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What do you
think are the values most American’s share?
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Do you think
this will actually change the public debate in America?
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Why did you
write this statement?
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What do you
hope to accomplish?
About the
Humanists of Florida Association Founded in 1986, The Humanists of
Florida Association (HFA) is a statewide association of groups and
individuals that affirm the Humanist worldview. Humanism is a
progressive philosophy of life that, without supernaturalism,
affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of
personal fulfillment that aspires to the greater good of humanity.
Religious Conservatives view Humanism as their enemy in the cultural
war they are attempting to foster. HFA has formally endorsed A New
Progressive Alliance and joins the Christian Alliance for Progress
as the first two organizations to endorse the statement.
For the
full text of the statement and more information on the New
Progressive Alliance project visit:
http://www.newprogressivealliance.com/Home_Page.html
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