Group challenges Presidential candidates' opulent, selfish and materialistic lifestyles while they publicly "champion" the rights of the poor and needy.

Contact: Christian Defense Coalition, 202-547-1735, 540-538-4741 cell

WASHINGTON, May 31 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Christian Defense Coalition challenges Presidential candidates' opulent, selfish and materialistic lifestyles while they publicly "champion" the rights of the poor and needy.

Coalition contends politicians cannot separate personal lifestyles from political decisions and policies.

Both Senator Clinton and Edwards will appear June 4, on a CNN Presidential Forum on "Faith, Values and Poverty."

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, comments:

"Both Senator Clinton and Edwards profess to be devout Christians with their faith playing an important role in shaping their public policies.  This is especially true, they say, concerning their views on poverty and social justice.  Yet, Senator Clinton and Edwards are multi-millionaires that live opulent, selfish materialistic lifestyles with little regard for the poor in terms of how they live.

"Christ teaches that we cannot separate our personal lifestyles from the public decisions we make.  Christians cannot say they care for the poor and then selfishly choose to live in a 26,000 square-foot house or own multiple luxury residences around the country.  In other words, Jesus is more interested in how one lives their private life than the public rhetoric they use concerning the poor.

"The Christian faith teaches we should live simple, comfortable non-materialistic lives centered on obeying God, serving others and not wasting God's resources.  For Senators Edwards and Clinton to lecture the American public on 'Faith, Values and Poverty' is a tragic commentary on faith in America and hypocrisy of the highest order.

"These simple questions should be asked of Senators Clinton and Edwards with respect to their faith and poverty:

"Would Jesus live in a 26,000 square foot home while others are suffering?

"Would Jesus own multiple luxury residences?

"Would Jesus fly in private jets on the campaign trail?

"Would Jesus make millions of dollars to support a selfish, materialistic lifestyle?

"Would Jesus spend thousands of dollars on gourmet food and banquets while so many are starving?

"Would Jesus waste valuable resources driving luxury SUVs on the campaign trail?

"Would Jesus ask for hundreds of thousands of dollars in speaking fees while so many struggle in poverty?"

For more information or interviews call:

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 202.547.1735    Cell:   540.538.4741