Contact: National Association of Evangelicals, 202-789-1011

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 /Christian Newswire/ -- Richard Cizik has resigned as Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE).  His resignation, which takes effect today, concludes 28 years of service and leadership in the Washington, DC office of NAE.

Over the past three decades he has been a tireless advocate for a broad variety of issues important to the evangelical community including passage of anti-persecution legislation, laws against human trafficking, nurture of family life, protection of children, justice and compassion for the poor and vulnerable, sanctity of human life, opposition to abortion on demand, peace and the restraint of violence in our world, creation care and others.  He gave leadership to the writing and implementation to the landmark document, For the Health of the Nation: An Evangelical Call to Civic Responsibility.

Leith Anderson, President of the National Association of Evangelicals, explained in a letter to the members of the board of directors of NAE that "in a December 2, 2008 broadcast interview on National Public Radio, Richard responded to questions and made statements that did not appropriately represent the values and convictions of NAE and our constituents.  Although he has subsequently expressed regret, apologized and affirmed our values there is a loss of trust in his credibility as a spokesperson among leaders and constituents."

Anderson also wrote that "because Richard traveled to a previously scheduled international conference in Europe shortly after the airing of the broadcast it was not possible to meet with him until his return.  He and I have recently met together and mutually concluded that his resignation is a difficult but appropriate decision."

A December 5, 2008 letter to the board had already reaffirmed that "our NAE stand on marriage, abortion and other biblical values is long, clear and unchanged."

The National Association of Evangelicals began in 1942 and today is composed of more than 50 denominations representing about 45, 000 churches.  The association membership also includes parachurch organizations, colleges, associations and individuals.