Local ministers campaign against divisive politics | Latest News | Columbus Ledger Enquirer

A group of local ministers will hold a press conference Thursday to show solidarity against “corruption and unethical practices” that they believe have taken over the political process.

The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance Social Action Committee will hold the press conference 11 a.m. at the Chattahoochee Promenade Amphitheater, 76 W. 7th Street.

The Rev. Johnny Flakes III, pastor of Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church, said the Chattahoochee River provides the perfect backdrop for what the Columbus community should be all about. Flakes, who heads the ministerial alliance, said the organization will be joined by members of the Muscogee County Clergy Association.

“We have elections coming up soon and we see so much division in the community,” Flakes said in an interview with the Ledger-Enquirer. “We want the city to present itself as a city of diversity, prosperity and progress. The Chattahoochee River represents the economic strength of our community and we’re calling the faith community to show solidarity for human dignity, respect, integrity, justice and togetherness within our city.”

In a news release issued by the ministerial alliance, organizers said they’re holding the press conference to address a variety of issues that have been negatively impacting the community. The issues include what the committee described as:

• Disrespectful treatment of elected officials and school board members.

• Divide and conquer tactics that include fronting African American candidates to run against other African American candidates for political office.

• Intimidation tactics, lack of civility, lack of respect and character assassination demonstrated toward elected officials who refused to be controlled.

via Local ministers campaign against divisive politics | Latest News | Columbus Ledger Enquirer.