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Youth Declaration

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.

>> Sign the Youth Declaration now!

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

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

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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