Tag Archives: Southern Christian Coalition

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Lack of Funding for Schools Leads to Lack of Faith in Lee’s Leadership

Pastors call out Gov. Lee for failing moral test of investing in children

The Southern Christian Coalition is calling out Gov. Bill Lee for his Administration’s failure to properly fund Tennessee public schools.

On news that the state now ranks 47th nationally in per student investment – and last among our Southeastern neighbors, Rev. Chris Warren -a Cumberland Presbyterian minister from Murfreesboro – said:

“Scripture reminds us often to care for both children and the vulnerable in our midst. By prioritizing voucher schemes instead of fully funding our public schools, it’s clear that Governor Lee and the Supermajority Legislature have neglected this scripture’s call. Instead, they have prioritized underfunding public education while funneling millions to vouchers. This benefits powerful outside interest groups while our children suffer.”

Gov. Bill Lee promoting school privatization

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Hungry Kids, Poorly-Funded Schools

A National Voucher Scheme

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Pastors Condemn Harmful 2025 Legislative Session

A group of Tennessee pastors affiliated with the Southern Christian Coalition condemned Tennessee lawmakers for what the group said was a “harmful” legislative session.

“As a Christian pastor, I believe all children are made in the image of God and deserve the freedom to learn, be themselves, and thrive—regardless of where they’re born or their family’s income,” said Rev. Dr. C. Don Jones, Pastor of Andersonville and Heiskell United Methodist Churches in East Tennessee. “Yet this 2025 legislative session has harmed vulnerable children across our state. While we’re thankful some of the worst bills didn’t pass, significant damage was still done. The January Special Session’s voucher program diverted public education funds to private schools, hurting children in public schools. Lawmakers also continued restricting TANF funds meant to help families in poverty, and Governor Lee rejected federal money intended to feed hungry children during summer months. When will these attacks on our children stop?”

More on Lee’s rejection of federal funds to feed hungry kids

Lee rejected $75 million in federal funds that would have supported a program to add funds to EBT cards for families whose kids receive free/reduced lunch during the school year.

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Yes! Money Matters for Schools

Trump, Christian Nationalism, and Schools

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Pastors Dismayed as Senate Votes for Anti-Immigrant Education Bill

Lawmakers seek to punish kids to appease Trump

A group of Tennessee pastors affiliated with the Southern Christian Coalition is speaking out against cruel anti-immigrant legislation sponsored by Senator Bo Watson and Rep. William Lamberth. The measure passed the Senate this week.

In a statement released to the media, the group explained their opposition to the measure that would allow public schools and charter schools to refused to educate the children of immigrants unless they can prove their legal status.

Rev. Monica Mowdy, United Methodist minister and former educator, said:

“As a Christian pastor and former teacher, I believe the words of Jesus when He tells us to care for the vulnerable and the children in our communities. I’m ashamed that Senator Bailey’s vote yesterday was in direct violation of our call as Christians. He refused to even hear the concerns of a constituent and pastor he’s represented for over 20 years.”

The group expressed hope that the vote will go differently in the House:

“It’s my hope and prayer that things go quite differently in the House,” said Rev. Mowdy. “We are called, above all, to love our neighbor and protect the vulnerable. This bill fails that test.”

low angle view of cross against sky at night
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

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How Vouchers Kill Local Public Schools

Money Matters for Schools

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Pastors Speak Out on Immorality of Vouchers

Southern Christian Coalition challenges Lee’s privatization agenda

A group of Tennessee pastors is calling on Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee legislature to move away from what it says are dangerous and morally questionable policies, including school vouchers.

Rev. Matt Steinhauer, one of the Interim Pastors of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Franklin, said, “Our teachers here in Tennessee work hard to provide every child a life and skill-forming quality education, yet Governor Lee is determined to get in the way by denying adequate funding, supporting distractions such as banning books, and now working to pass his harmful voucher scheme that would take funds meant for our public schools and instead give them to private schools.”

MORE ON VOUCHERS:

Of Vouchers and Inequality
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Faith Leaders Express Opposition to Lee’s Voucher Scam

Southern Christian Coalition calls for fully funded public schools

Gov. Bill Lee announced a massive expansion of a voucher scheme yesterday and faith leaders immediately spoke out in opposition.

Delivering on a Promise

Advocates with the Southern Christian Coalition noted that Lee’s plan would harm the state’s public school system and leave students behind. Representatives of the group said the plan is out of alignment with Lee’s proclaimed Christian faith.

Rev. Brandon Berg, Pastor of Norris and Sinking Springs United Methodist Churches in the Knoxville area, said:

“If Governor Lee claims the Christian faith, and we know he does, then he must change course and start to prioritize the education of every Tennessee child by fully funding our public schools and end this voucher scheme that would create even more inequity in Tennessee schools.”

For more on education politics and policy in Tennessee, follow @TNEdReport