Media Contact:
John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, CDF Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Children’s Defense Fund President and Chief Executive Officer Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson has led more than 120 faith leaders from across the country in signing a letter opposing Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s nomination to lead the United States Department of Health & Human Services (HHS).
Kennedy, set to appear this week to answer questions before the Senate Finance Committee and Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pension (HELP), has a long history of promoting conspiracy theories about vaccines. His shifting positions on critical public health issues raise concerns about his intellectual rigor and ability to uphold the responsibilities of HHS Secretary.
“Our nation deserves a Secretary for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services who is guided by evidence, demonstrates wisdom, and models commitment to protecting all Americans,” the letter reads. “This is a matter of public safety, trust, and care where leaders from both sides of aisle agree. Furthermore, there are far more qualified candidates for this critical role.”
The letter, addressed to Chair Bill Cassidy and Ranking Member Bernie Sanders of the Senate HELP Committee and Chair Mike Crapo and Ranking Member Ron Wyden of the Senate Finance Committee, includes signatories from 29 states and the District of Columbia. They include:
• Rev. Traci Blackmon, HopeBuilds LLC (Florissant, MO)
• Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale, Ray of Hope Chrisitan Church (Decatur, GA)
• Rev. Cece Jones-Davis, Speckled Bird (Fairfax, VA)
• Rev. Dr. Robert Scott, St. Paul Baptist Church (Charlotte, NC)
• Rev. Adam Russell Taylor, Sojourners (Washington, DC)
• Dr. Timothy Tee Boddie, Conference of National Black Churches (Dumfries, VA)
“Unfortunately, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s public record militates against the very mission of the Department and places children in jeopardy,” the letter continues. “The Secretary of Health and Human Services must be guided by a commitment to public health, sound science, and policies that promote wholeness for individuals, families, and communities.”
Click here to read the full letter.