Congressman Charlie Crist with local pastors on the steps of Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church to announce the creation of “Faith Leaders For Crist.”
ST. PETERSBURG — On Jan. 13, Congressman Charlie Crist, the leading Democratic gubernatorial candidate, launched “Faith Leaders for Crist,” a statewide coalition of pastors and faith leaders supporting his Florida for All agenda.
The Tampa Bay area contingent said the former governor is a man of his word and will defeat Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“I am honored and humbled to have the support of some of the best, most inspiring faith leaders Tampa Bay and our Sunshine State has to offer,” said Crist on steps of Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church.
“As Gov. DeSantis tries to silence our voices at the ballot box, Faith Leaders For Crist will be instrumental in ensuring that all Floridians have knowledge, community support, and access to the polls this November.”
Black leaders have accused DeSantis of targeting Black Floridians with oppressive laws relating to voting rights, the right to protest, and ignoring the deadly impact of the COVID viruses on the community. Thirty faith leaders from the Tampa Bay area agreed.
In a joint statement, the leaders of Faith Leaders For Crist said: “For nearly three decades, Charlie Crist has proven time and time again that he is a decent, compassionate leader, grounded in his faith, and staunch in his belief of a better tomorrow for Floridians. Faith Leaders for Crist is ready to hit the ground running, working alongside Charlie to spread his vision for the future of our state, one where all Floridians have a seat at the table. Together, we’re going to combat efforts to block people’s access to the ballot box and ensure voters are mobilized and ready to elect Charlie Crist our next Governor of Florida this November.”
Faith Leaders For Crist is the third grassroots advocacy arm announced by the campaign. It will include spiritual leaders spanning Florida’s diverse religious communities, focused on issues important to Floridians in all congregations to create a Florida for All.
