Over 1500 faith leaders urge Republican lawmakers to reject Trump's 'Cabinet of Bigotry'

More than 1,500 interfaith leaders are calling on Republican members of Congress to reject President-elect Donald Trump's 'Cabinet of Bigotry' that includes Senator Jeff Sessions, Alt-Right leader Steve Bannon, and Lt Gen Michael T Flynn, and to appoint advisers who understand that forging a more tolerant, united and inclusive America is the best way forward.

Prominent Catholic, Protestant, Sikh, Muslim and Jewish faith leaders have endorsed a national petition stating that white supremacy has no place in the West Wing or any other rung of leadership.

"All of our faith traditions teach us to love our neighbours as we love ourselves," the letter states. "After a painful and contentious election, the future of our nation rests in our ability to unite and work collaboratively for the common good of all people. But we cannot coalesce around these ambassadors of hatred, bigotry and intimidation," the letter continues.

"Republican leaders must reject President-elect Trump's cabinet of bigotry and demand advisors who embody the values that make our nation great -- liberty, justice and freedom for all," said Rev Jennifer Butler, CEO of Faith in Public Life and the petition's primary author. "I stand firmly with those who feel left out of Trump's vision of our nation. Americans of every race, color, sexual orientation and religious background should feel included and valued in this nation we call home."

Among Catholics who have endorsed the letter are: Fr Bryan N Massingale, Professor of Theological and Social Ethics, Fordham University; Dr Eric Immel Loyola University, Chicago, Sr Patricia Kirk, from the Benedictine Sisters of Baltimore, Sr Rose Therese Nolta, Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters, Illinois and Sr Marilyn Kofler, Sisters of Providence, Chicago.

To read the letter and list of signatories see: http://media.wix.com/ugd/03e723_7e427ad0094a4538863d1f5b0b46b105.pdf

Source: Episcopalian News Service