Contact:  Dane Rose, National Clergy Council, 202-546-8329 ext. 106, 703-447-1072 cell

WASHINGTON, May 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Reverend Rob Schenck (pronounced SHANK), an Evangelical minister and president of the National Clergy Council in Washington, DC, released this statement today in response to recent comments by the Reverend Al Sharpton about Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's Mormon faith:

"Religious prejudice is the worst form of bigotry. Rev. Sharpton's comments suggest that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints do not really believe in God. While many other Christian groups may have differences with LDS doctrine, to question someone else's sincerity of belief in God is the height of pharisaical arrogance. Rev. Sharpton should immediately apologize to Mr. Romney and the good people of the LDS Church and repent before God for such sinful hubris."

Mr. Schenck has met privately with Governor Romney about his religious and moral beliefs and is presently engaged in ongoing dialogue with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also called "Mormons."

In addition to serving as president of the multi-denominational National Clergy Council, Mr. Schenck is chairman of the Committee on Church and Society for the Evangelical Church Alliance, America's oldest association of Evangelical clergy, churches and institutions and an appointed missionary to government officials in Washington, DC. He is available for further comment through Dane Rose at 202-546-8329, extension 106 or mobile 703-447-1072.