Religious Leaders Urge Retired Neurosurgeon Ben Carson to Make Hunger and Poverty a Priority

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As retired pediatric neurosurgeon Ben Carson begins his presidential campaign, the Circle of Protection is asking him to record a video telling Americans what he would do to help hungry and poor people if elected.

On Sunday, Carson officially announced his bid for the 2016 Republican nomination for president.

"We are praying for a president who will make ending hunger and poverty a top priority of his or her administration. Are you that leader?" the Circle of Protection asked in a letter sent to Carson.  They asked him film his answer in a three-minute video

"As national leaders from all the major branches of Christianity, we care deeply about many issues facing our country, but ending hunger and poverty is a top priority," the religious leaders wrote.

Throughout the world, many countries have dramatically reduced the incidence of hunger. However, in the United States, 49.1 million Americans, including 18.1 million children still struggle to put food on the table. In Michigan, where Carson resides, the poverty rate for African-American children is 50 percent, while the rate for all children in the state is 20 percent, according to the 2011 Census.

The Circle of Protection will broadly publicize the presidential candidate's video among churches and the public. The Circle of Protection will not evaluate the presidential candidates' policy positions or endorse any candidate.

The Circle of Protection will call on people of faith to examine the presidential candidates' proposals to address poverty both at home and abroad, and to consider the mandate to those who govern to "give deliverance to the needy" (Psalm 72).

"The calling to public service is a sacred vocation. We hold you, and all of the candidates for nomination and election, in our prayers," they added.

The Circle of Protection is composed of Christian leaders who are heads of denominations, agencies, and organizations. To learn more, visit www.circleofprotection.us

SOURCE Circle of Protection

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED