Word of caution

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In the race for Connecticut House 62nd District, Audrey Lampert’s opponent Mark Anderson says he is a “compassionate conservative.” But he is not being up front about his very close association with a radical organization, the CT Republican Assembly, a private group not associated with Connecticut government (ctra.us). 

A glance at this group’s “thirteen principles” is concerning to me. They outline a radical right-wing agenda that excludes so many people. These principles cite the “Holy Scriptures of the Judeo-Christian ethic,” which is fine, but leave out other faith beliefs. They also define “family” in very limited terms: “persons related by blood or adoption through marriage of one man and woman” and assert that this definition of family should have preferential treatment through legislation and tax policies.

My faith tells me that we recognize and honor people of all faiths, including the contributions to our community of our Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist neighbors, to name just a few. We also recognize the journeys of people of no faith or those of questioning or uncertain faith. And I am grateful to have ministered to families of all types, including those that some would call “non-traditional”—multi-generational households, LGBTQ families, couples who have chosen not to marry for personal or taxation reasons, older people living together and younger couples struggling to make it in tough times.  

Families are people who love each other, and none should be discriminated against—whether in public policy and legislation, or in our hearts. It is inappropriate to make laws based on a personal religious perspective, favoring a single group and excluding so many.

Mr. Anderson wants to run as a moderate, but his association with the CTRA is not casual—he is its founder and was president of this group until very recently. He should be up front with District voters about his work with this extremist group’s agenda. 

Reverend Bart Cochran