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DALLAS – The Texas Conference of Churches and Texans Care for Children
recently recognized Baptist General Convention of Texas Christian Life
Commission Director Phil Strickland for his years of advocating for the
betterment of children’s lives.
Both groups honored Strickland as a man who has fought to improve the
lives of children throughout Texas. He has advocated on behalf of children
since he began working with the CLC in 1967. He became director of the CLC
in 1980.
Strickland was one of the leaders in forming the CARE Coalition, which
evolved into Texans Care for Children. The CARE Coalition was a group of
Christian leaders who came together to improve the lives of children.
Pete Laney, former speaker of the Texas House of Representatives and
current state representative, said Strickland has called lawmakers to look
at the plight of children within the state. Texas ranks near the bottom of
the nation on most indicators of child well-being.
“Phil has been a regarded voice ion the capitol as long as I can
remember,” he said. “Phil has always made sure government hears the voices
of the people, especially children who have no voice.”
Strickland has led cross-denominational conversations between the BGCT
and the Texas Conference of Churches for the past several years,
discussing ways they can work together to give children a voice of
representation in state government.
The discussions have brought the groups together to speak with “one
voice,” said George Bithos, Texas Conference of Churches executive
director. Together they have raised the awareness level of children’s
issues throughout the state legislature. Strickland’s work in this process
“can’t be underestimated.”
Suzii Paynter, CLC director of citizenship and public policy, said
awareness leads to action. Together, the BGCT and Texas Conference of
Churches helped fight for and get the state government to overhaul Child
Protective Services.
BGCT leaders and officials with the Texas Conference of Churches also
have focused on immigration and chaplaincy issues.
Michael Pfeifer, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo, said
discussions between the conference of churches and the BGCT have built
trust between both parties and strengthened the work of each side.
“It’s interesting how we’ve found more and more to work on,” Bithos
said. “It’s not our differences that separate us. Rather we have found the
necessity to work together.”
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