Christian Leaders, Pastors, Government Officials, Dignitaries and Academicians Convene in Washington D.C. for Historic Multi-Cultural NHCLC Justice Summit 2013

WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (www.NHCLC.org), which represents over 40,000 churches nationwide and in Puerto Rico, convened last week in Washington D.C. at the NHCLC Justice Summit 2013, which featured political, social and educational experts who tackled topics of justice.

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The NHCLC Summit brought together prominent Christian leaders, dignitaries and pastors from all cultures and backgrounds to address justice issues that are of vital importance to the future of America, as well as the Church: immigration reform, human trafficking, religious freedom, poverty, education, human dignity, and the strategic relationship and solidarity between the Jewish and Christ-centered communities.

Josue Urrutia, Lead Pastor of Ministerio Mizpa, the fastest growing church in Washington D.C. and NHCLC Next Gen Director, said, "The NHCLC Justice Summit facilitated a dialogue of collective issues that are not only important to the broader Hispanic community but to millennials who care about immigration reform, preserving the sanctity of life and the need for religious freedom among other concerns. The fight against social injustice within our community is one that the young generation has been actively a part of and it's a movement that is increasingly gaining momentum because their voices are being acknowledged."

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President of the NHCLC, who met with Sen. Ted Cruz (D-Texas) and other political leaders while in DC, said, "When righteousness meets justice, Christ is exalted, truth stands revealed, hope arises, faith moves mountains and His followers change the world. This historic summit served the purpose of a catalytic gathering committed to that very purpose. Amazing indeed!"

Over 200 of those attending the Justice Summit participated in a Congressional reception where House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA), Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL), Trent Franks (R-AZ), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) and 9 other Senators and Congressman addressed topics related to the conference.

Robert Gittelson, NHCLC VP of Governmental Affairs, said, "The Congressional component of our NHCLC Justice Summit exceeded our expectations. We were humbled that members on both sides of Capitol Hill, and from both sides of the political aisle, embraced our organization so enthusiastically, engaging in dialogue with the NHCLC Board of Directors, Chapter Directors and members."

In addition to Rodriguez, speakers at the conference included Dr. Russell Moore, president of the Religious and Ethics Liberty Commission; Rev. Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and CEO of The King Center; Dr. Yuri Mantilla, associate professor of law and director of Global Initiatives at Liberty University and Chairman of the Justice Summit; Bishop Harry Jackson of Hope Christian Church; Dr. Carlos Campo, chairman of the Alliance for Hispanic Education; and David Donaldson, co-founder of Convoy of Hope.

The Justice Summit culminated in the unveiling of The NHCLC Justice Declaration of Washington DC, which was signed by leaders, speakers and attendees, as a statement and commitment for the defense of fundamental natural rights, stating "…we believe and affirm that the Christian worldview is the foundation for the construction and maintenance of a just society in America. An authentic Christian faith is the strongest testimony for truth, justice and equality. America needs to be reintroduced to not just any god, but to the living, sovereign God, a living gospel in a living church. This is the time to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ in action and in unity!"

Dr. Yuri Mantilla, Chairman, Justice Initiative, NHCLC, said, "In this decisive moment in the history of America, the NHCLC Justice Summit demonstrated that the Agenda of the Lamb is the foundation for a just society in which the fundamental natural rights of all human beings are respected."

The NHCLC Justice Summit 2014 will be held in Washington D.C. October 28-30, 2014. For more information on the NHCLC and to read The NHCLC Declaration in its entirety, visit http://www.nhclc.org.

The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, the nation's largest Christian Hispanic organization, which serves millions of Hispanics and represents more than 40,000 churches, emphasizing "seven directives" of Life, Family, Compassionate Evangelism, Stewardship, Justice, Education and Youth.

SOURCE National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference