As a candidate vying for the Republican Presidential nomination, to suggest that poor children collectively lack a work ethic and drive for legal and productive work is entirely classist. Your national platform is no place for such irresponsible remarks. Our children deserve better than your degrading rhetoric.

In fact, they deserve an apology, and we -- their pastors and advocates -- demand one.

Today, Mr. Gingrich, we extend to you the opportunity to recant your "war on poor children" rhetoric and the opportunity to apologize to our children for speaking such falsehoods over their lives.

Awaiting Your Response,

The Delaware Annual Conference AME Ministerial Institute

Faith For Change

The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference

The Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc

United Church of Christ Justice and Witness Ministries