Jump to full article: Thousand Oaks (CA) Acorn, 2009-07-09
Intro: Landmark legislation approved June 11 by the Senate gives the Food and Drug Administration authority to effectively regulate the manufacture, marketing and sale of tobacco products.
Curtis RamseyLucas, National Ministries' national coordinator of Public and Social Advocacy of the American Baptist Church, was involved in introducing the legislation to Congress earlier this year through his involvement with "Faith United Against Tobacco," a diverse interfaith coalition of religious leaders.
"We believe our nation's leaders have a moral obligation to do all they can to protect Americans, particularly children, from tobacco addiction and the health consequences of smoking," said Ramsey-Lucas. "Passage of this legislation and its implementation by the FDA will, in no small measure, move our nation forward in achieving this goal. Yesterday's action by the Senate is a victory for children today and for those of future generations." . . .
Earlier this year, in conjunction with introduction of the legislation, numerous media events around the country featured local faith leaders urging congressional support for the legislation. The Rev. Timothy Bonney, pastor of First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines, called upon American Baptists to support the legislation at one of these events.
American Baptist Churches USA General Secretary A. Roy Medley said, "God calls us to healthy stewardship of all that has been entrusted to us. This legislation will save countless lives, prevent debilitating disease and protect children who are easily made victims of tobacco products."
Jump to full article » |