Knoxville Faith Leaders to Release New Report Saying Quality Pre-K Helps Reduce Births Outside of Marriage and Strengthens Families

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May 18, 2010, 09:42 ET

Faith Leaders Urge Legislature to Oppose Cuts to Funding

MEDIA ADVISORY for Wednesday, May 19

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., May 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Representing more than 50 Tennessee pastors and faith leaders who are members of the new non-profit, Shepherding the Next Generation, four Knoxville area Christian leaders will urge state policy makers today to continue to support high-quality early education programs saying such voluntary programs play a critical role in helping reduce births outside of marriage and strengthening families.

The Knoxville faith leaders will release a report with research showing that quality early learning helps reduce the likelihood of teen pregnancies outside of marriage and increases the likelihood that young men and women will marry and play significant roles in raising their children. The State Legislature is in the process of completing deliberations on the state budget, including funding commitments to voluntary pre-kindergarten.

WHO:	Grant Standefer, Executive Director of the Compassion Coalition
	Mark Brackney, Pastor, Arlington Church of Christ, Knoxville
	Dr. David Trempe, Executive Chaplain, Royal Chaplain Corps
	Dr. John A. Butler, Presiding Elder, Knoxville District/Pastor, Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church
	Dr. John Crupper, National Director of Shepherding the Next Generation

WHEN:	Wednesday, May 19 at 1 p.m.

WHERE:	The Child and Family Care Campus – Great Starts
	3006 Lake Brooke Blvd, Knoxville, TN, 37909