Raising taxes on cigarettes will significantly cut rates of children who smoke, say members of a coalition who this week launched an initiative aimed at getting religious groups more involved in the fight against tobacco. The new grassroots effort to increase cigarette taxes around the nation was launched at a Capitol Hill press conference January 28.

Religious organizations have traditionally played key roles in anti-tobacco legislation, said press conference moderator Roy Branson, a professor of ethics and public policy at the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Columbia Union College, located in Takoma Park, Maryland.

“The tobacco industry has targeted a certain population: children,” said Branson, who also heads up CUC’s Center for Law and Public Policy. “As religious organizations, it is our concern to protect those who might be vulnerable.”

Every day in America, 5,000 kids try their first cigarette, according to Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, a public advocacy group. Another 2,000 kids become regular daily smokers, one-third of whom will die prematurely as a result of tobacco-related diseases.

Organizers of the new initiative say that raising taxes is an important way of combating growing rates of tobacco addiction among youth. Statistics show that every 10 percent in tax increase reduces youth consumption of tobacco by seven percent.

A 50-cent tax hike on cigarettes could prevent 1.4 million children from taking up the tobacco habit, said press conference participant Peter Fisher, assistant director for advocacy for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

This new initiative is jointly sponsored by the United Methodists, the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. It encourages local churches and regional church administrators to speak out on the issue, and urges state governments to increase taxes on cigarettes. Churches are encouraged to sign petitions, give testimony at state legislative hearings, and encourage other church members to get involved.

According to Branson, Adventists in particular have a long history of public health advocacy, starting with the anti-alcohol stance of church pioneers such as Ellen White. “Adventists are a group of people who, when roused, can do great things,” he said.

Some 435,000 people die from tobacco-related illnesses in America each year, said Branson. “It’s the number one preventable death in America.”

The Capitol Hill press conference was one of five similar events held in state capitals across the United States. For more information about the initiative, go to www.tobaccofreekids.org.