A coalition of ministers, priests, rabbis, and others active in their faiths is working to make sure the public understands issues of “faith” and “values” are not the exclusive property of the Republican party. A “Missouri Democrats of Faith Values Statement” is in draft form after more than a year of work by the coalition. It says Democrats are guided by the scriptures on social, peace, and economic issues, matters of racial justice, and environmental stewardship. Executive Director Corey Dillon of the Missouri Democratic Party says voters who cast ballots based on their religious beliefs have been getting information from only one party too long. She says Democrats have decided that situation needs to change. She says issues can be talked about without a faith basis but in today’s political climate, it’s important to discuss positions that are based on some deeply-held faith positions. She says many Democrat voters have wondered why the Republican party gets credit for having values when many things Democrats support are based in their religious beliefs. Dillon hopes the statement gives paulse to those who ask those questions and hold the stereotype that one party has a corner on faith-based issues.