Sioux Falls mayoral candidates talk God, faith and how the city needs it's churches

Tonight I was hoping to put up a summary of the Pastor's Mayoral Forum which I (as president of one of our city's two ministerial associations) and Chris Hupke of the SD Family Policy Council hosted in downtown Sioux Falls today. Unfortunately, I don't have time for much more than a pic.  However, I will point to my friend Father Timothy Fountain's post on today's event. Had to chuckle at his headline; Steve Hickey stuns group of pastors as he gives up on the abortion issue. I did say something to the effect of… "Since we are short on time I'll skip the abortion question and- - -  let it be known that… Steve Hickey skipped the abortion question!" I appreciate Father Fountain's comments about our line of questions:

The range of questions was stimulating and stereotype-busting. There were the expected questions about porn businesses, computer gambling "casinos" and the removal of overt Christian content from public discourse - but alongside these were questions of commmunity infrastructure and quality of life, candidate fiscal policy and significant concern for how to support Sioux Falls' growing and diverse immigrant population. Spiritual questions helped the candidates relate some of their formative life influences and values.

Kermit Staggers told me afterwards that out of all the many mayoral forums held so far, he enjoyed this forum the most. The video of the entire event is now uploaded on the Family Policy Council's website. Here's a pic…