Christian Leaders on Preventing Tobacco Use

Leaders and representatives from several Christian denominations, including the United Methodist Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, the National Council of Churches and the Presbyterian Church USA, called on both presidential candidates to endorse national measures to reduce tobacco addiction within the youth, on May 26, 2004.

“Our clergy spends too much time burying mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers who die because they became addicted to tobacco products when they were young,” the leaders wrote.

The Christian leaders in conjunction with leaders from other faiths have formed a coalition called “Faith United Against Tobacco.”

In the current day, tobacco use takes the top spot on the list of leading preventable causes of death in the United States. Every year, more than 400,000 people die of tobacco-related deaths and more than $75 billion is used for health care.

“We know all too well that the tobacco companies continue to spend billions of dollars to addict young and old to this deadly product. We also know that the federal government can reduce this addiction, particularly among vulnerable children, by fully regulating tobacco products, increasing the tax on cigarettes and expanding tobacco prevention and cessation services. For our children's sake, we urge you to do so," the coalition wrote in their letter.

Recent statistics also show that some 25% of high school students graduate as cigarette addicts and that 2,000 children add to that number every day. A third of these children will die prematurely because of this addiction.

"Tobacco is the number one cause of preventable death in the United States, and it's condemning our children and youth to a premature death," said James Winkler, General Secretary of the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church speaking on behalf of Faith United Against Tobacco.

"Reducing teen smoking and saving Americans from tobacco addiction is a top priority for our nation's faith communities. We've asked President Bush and Senator Kerry to make this a priority by implementing three goals: continuing the federal lawsuit against the tobacco companies, giving the FDA authority to regulate tobacco, and increasing the federal tobacco tax. These not only are reasonable measures, but they are imminently necessary to save thousands of Americans from the horrors of death and disease caused by tobacco,” said Winkler.

The coalition encouraged the candidates to enact three law: a legislation supported by the public health community giving the Food and Drug Administration the authority to regulate tobacco products; legislation to increase the national tobacco tax and use the money raised to increase tobacco prevention and cessation services and to fund health care expansion for children; and the federal lawsuit against the tobacco companies.

The full text of the letter can be found online at:

http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/campaign/faith/BushLetter.pdf

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.