The religious “nones” are the fastest-growing religious demographic, but can they swing the election?
The Secular Coalition for America launched an initiative to unite the “nones” as a recognized voting bloc in the 2016 election.
They’re coming together with the help of Larry Decker, a Washington vet and an “unaffiliated Christian,” according to their release.
“Our nation takes pride in our commitment to civil rights and civil liberties. In 2016, everyone should feel comfortable being open about who they are and unafraid to reject the imposition of other people’s beliefs in their own lives,” Decker says.
“Unfortunately, hateful and insulting rhetoric toward nontheists and minority faiths cause many to feel that there is no place for them in our society. The Secular Coalition will staunchly defend those who are stigmatized and remind candidates and elected officials of their duty to serve citizens of all faiths and none.”
While secularists unite, so too are Christians. Franklin Graham’s Decision America tour is underway as the evangelist campaigns for God.
And David Lane, the director of the American Renewal Project, is calling for hundreds of pastors to seek political office.
“This is a fundamental shift in strategy,” said John Fea, a history professor at Christian Messiah College. “Rather than forcing this from the top down, this is about a grass-roots approach to changing the culture by embedding ministers in local politics from the ground up.”
