Washington DC – The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) a faith-based coalition of 34,000 churches comprised of 15 denominations and 15.7 million African Americans, is demanding due process for PBS talk show host Tavis Smiley. We are not in anyway defending any unethical or immoral behavior or actions that Mr. Smiley is accused of -toward any women.
We believe that given the present environment that Tavis Smiley has not received due consideration in a fair and objective manner. He argues and we agree that the public accusations leveled against his character are unfair. We do understand that PBS investigation continues. If this is so, why is it that Mr. Smiley has already been suspended? The Black Church believes that PBS should have waited until all the facts are in before any decision was made concerning his status. Why was there such a rush to judgment given the fact that these are mere allegations? Let us remind PBS that allegations are not fact even when there is a preponderance of the allegations.
The Rev. Anthony Evans, President of the National Black Church Initiative says, “We are simply advocating for due process. The Black Church will not allow PBS or anyone else to railroad or deny Mr. Smiley due process. This is why we are ready to use the full force of the Black Church to stage a public action against PBS if we are convinced that Mr. Smiley did not receive a fair and impartial hearing. We demand that he is given a chance to defense himself regarding the allegations leveled against him. PBS or anybody else should not be in the business of regulating congenital relationships –that is the job of the church.”
Our democracy in America is not based upon philosophical situation ethics determined in the public square or the courtroom. Sensible social ethics are determined by rational human beings looking at all of the facts of a case. African Americans have spent the better of their entire existence in this country arguing and demanding due process even when public and legal systems are stacked against us. Therefore, we will continue to insist that Tavis Smiley be given a fair hearing in the public square or the courtroom.
