Kerry's Director of Religious Outreach Resigns After Controversy

August 4, 2004

Source: Religious News Service

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/150/story_15074_1.html

On August 4, 2004 Religious News Service reported, "After less than two weeks on the job, the Democratic Party's first-ever director of religious outreach resigned on Wednesday after her public positions came under fire. The Rev. Brenda Bartella Peterson said it was 'no longer possible for me to do my job effectively' after the New York-based Catholic League issued three blistering press releases attacking her positions... Peterson, who was hired by the Democratic National Committee on July 23, is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She is also the former director of the Clergy Leadership Network, a fledgling platform for liberal clergy who opposed President Bush... The Catholic League blasted Peterson for a 'friend of the court' brief she signed with 31 other clergy members that supported removing "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance. He also criticized left-leaning positions on taxes and gay marriage taken by the Clergy Leadership Network."