Youth Declaration by Religious and Spiritual Leaders
to Address Youth Relationship Violence
We acknowledge as national spiritual leaders and religious youth leaders that youth in our faith communities are experiencing relationship violence and are exposed to domestic violence in their families.
We acknowledge that our denial of these problems, lack of communication and comprehensive teaching on
healthy youth relationships and domestic violence have contributed to youth violence and exposure.
We acknowledge that as faith leaders, we are responsible for creating and sustaining communities
where the well-being of our youth is a priority.
We acknowledge that to date there has not been a holistic approach to deal with
teen relationship violence where faith communities play a key role.
We commit ourselves to draw upon our sacred texts and practices for the work and ministry of
modeling and teaching safe and healthy relationships for youth.
We acknowledge that youth are engaging in intercultural and interfaith relationships; therefore,
We commit to find opportunities to engage youth at these various axis points of their lives.
We commit to prioritize our time, talents and resources to fully address
youth relationship violence and exposure to domestic violence.
We call upon people of all religious and spiritual traditions to join us.
Rev. Dr. Marie M. Fortune Founder and Senior Analyst FaithTrust Institute
Rev. Dr. Aleese Moore-Orbih Former Director of Training and Consulting FaithTrust Institute
Carolyn Scott Brown, MA Director of Learning and Resources FaithTrust Institute
Felecia Commodore Senior Academic Advisor, Department of Government and Politics University of Maryland
Michelle Freeman Senior Policy and Advocacy Specialist Jewish Women International
Chris Wilterdink Director of Youth Ministry St. Luke’s United Methodist Church MMYP Staff -Western Jurisdiction
Thomas K. Chu Board of Directors, FaithTrust Institute
Rabbi Elliot N. Dorff, PhD Rector and Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, American Jewish University Chair of the Conservative Movement's Committee on Jewish Law and Standards Board of Directors, FaithTrust Institute
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Salma Abugideiri Co-Director Peaceful Families Project
Sister Eileen McCann Coordinator, Youth and Young Adult Ministry United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Waltrina N. Middleton Minister, Youth Advocacy and Leadership Formation United Church of Christ
Khaleel Mohammed Professor, Department of Religious Studies San Diego State University
Rev. Lizann Bassham Trainer, FaithTrust Institute
Catherine Bailey Board of Directors, FaithTrust Institute
Rev. Tara Barber Pastor, United Church of Christ Board of Directors, FaithTrust Institute
Deaconess Joanne M. Reich, LMSW Member, Edgehill United Methodist Church Board of Directors, FaithTrust Institute
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Rodger Y. Nishioka Benton Family Associate Professor of Christian Education Columbia Theological Seminary
Nora Rahimian Youth Leadership Program Coordinator South Asian Youth Action
Joshua Salaam Youth Director ADAMS Center
Tasha Huffsmith Wilson President, Young Adult Caucus American Baptist Churches
Dr. Laura Bailey Board Member Emerita, FaithTrust Institute Lay woman, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Gail E. Mengel Board of Directors, FaithTrust Institute
Jane Fredricksen Managing Director, FaithTrust Institute
Carolyn Farrell, BVM Director, Roberta Kuhn Center Board of Directors, FaithTrust Institute
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