Religious leaders form group opposing Bush

? Mixing preaching with politics, several liberal and moderate religious leaders have started a political group to oppose President Bush’s re-election.

The Clergy Leadership Network will help churches, temples and mosques develop voter registration programs, run its own get-out-the-vote drives and, if it has enough money, air issue ads, said the Rev. Albert Pennybacker, the group’s president and chief executive.

The group, which includes Jews, Muslims and Christians, will counter the conservative voice of Christian groups such as the Christian Coalition, Pennybacker said.

The network contends the administration has interfered in the separation of church and state through programs such as its “faith-based initiative.” It also opposes Bush’s foreign policies.