Christian Coalition Starting Anew in Ga.

By Associated Press

September 27, 2006, 9:29 AM EDT

ATLANTA -- Georgia's branch of the Christian Coalition has announced plans to change names and split from the national group -- making it the fourth state to leave the socially conservative political group.

Director Sadie Fields said the Georgia branch's board voted about two weeks ago to make the change because of the Christian Coalition of America's liberal 'drift.'

'It's really a sad moment,' Fields said Monday. 'I deeply regret we have been compelled to take this action, but we felt like we had no other choice.'

The president of the national organization said Tuesday she will establish a new chapter in Georgia.

'The Christian Coalition -- or any group -- is not about individuals,' said Roberta Combs, president of Christian Coalition of America. 'Maybe we can work together in the future.'

Combs did not say when the new chapter would be established.

State chapters in Alabama, Iowa and Ohio have also left the Christian Coalition.

Fields said she became concerned by the changing direction of the national organization, which now takes stances on issues like the minimum wage, the environment and Internet law instead of core issues like abortion and same-sex marriage.

Combs agreed the coalition had begun broadening its agenda. 'Family values reach beyond abortion and gay marriage,' she said.

The national Christian Coalition, which claims more than 2 million members, was founded in 1989 by religious broadcaster the Rev. Pat Robertson.

Copyright 2006 Newsday Inc.