(Washington, DC - 1/15/99) On Tuesday, January 26th The Interfaith Alliance Foundation will be convening the "National Religious Leaders Summit on Civility in Public Discourse and the Future of Democracy" on Capitol Hill in the Russell Senate Building, Room 325.

As the impeachment culture continues to divide the nation, faith leaders will discuss the meaning of civility in our political discourse, examine the long-term impact of incivility in our democratic process, and propose ways in which the faith community can lead the way to a more civil debate in our diverse society.

The program will begin with brief opening statements by religious political leaders followed by a moderated discussion. The panelists will then respond to questions from members of Congress.

STATEMENTS:
-Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy's Statement
-Dr. Azizah Al-Hibri's Statement

WHO:
-John Anderson, Former ten-term Congressman (R-16-IL)
-Dr. Azizah Al-Hibri, T.C. Williams School of Law, University of Richmond
-Bishop Jane Holmes Dixon, Episcopal Diocese of Washington
-Rev. Robert Drinan, S.J., Georgetown University Law Center
-Rev. Dr. James Forbes, The Riverside Church, New York City
-Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, The Interfaith Alliance Foundation
-Dr. Richard Land, Southern Baptist Convention
-Rev Dr. Martin E. Marty,Rev. Dr. Martin E. Marty, University of Chicago
-Bishop Francis Murphy, Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore
-Rabbi David Saperstein, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism

Respondents include:
Congressman Tom Sawyer (D-14-OH)
Congressman Amo Houghton (R-31-NY)

WHEN:
Tuesday, January 26, 1999 from 9:00 am until Noon
Press Conference immediately following

WHERE:
Russell Senate Office Building, Room 325

The Interfaith Alliance Foundation (TIAF) is a nonpartisan, educational institution dedicated to promoting the positive role of religion as a healing and constructive force in American life.