What TOOK you guys so long???

Progressive Christians decide to FINALLY wade into the political waters.

A group of progressive Christians in the US have launched a new political movement to counter what they describe as the power of the religious right.

The Christian Alliance for Progress aims to "reclaim Christianity" and influence the political agenda.

"We can no longer stand by and watch people speak hatred, division, war and greed in the name of our faith," said Patrick Mrotek, the Alliance's founder.

The body joins other liberal religious groups formed around the 2004 election.
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"We are here because the language spoken by the religious right is Christian - this requires a uniquely Christian response," Mr Mrotek added.

In particular, the Alliance hopes to speak out on issues such as stem cell research and abortion.

"Many Americans, especially people of faith, are ready to hear from Christians who are tolerant, and who understand the many ways that our faiths impact our views of public life," it says on its website.

The group based in Jacksonville plans to recruit members nationwide.

I'm not Christian, but I have been pretty disgusted by how the Far Right has commandeered Christianity, practically claiming it as theirs alone, and even suggesting that there has been a war waged by liberals against it. Mr. Mrotek is right, the only people who even have a chance at counteracting the rhetoric from the Christian Right among a certain segment of the population, are other Christians. It would've been nice to have a group like this around BEFORE the 2004 elections, but at least they may be able to help influence the 2006 midterms.