A group of about 15 faith-based leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. to discuss issues of faith and policy with senior members of Congress and representatives from several advocacy organizations.

Bishop Broderick A. Huggins, Pastor of Saint Paul Baptist Church in Oxnard, was one of the individuals asked to participate in the Central and South Coast Faith Leaders' Day held on Thursday, Oct. 18 at the nation's capitol. Huggins was a guest of Rep. Lois Capps, who represents the 23rd District that includes sections of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. Participants paid for the trip themselves.

In a prepared statement released by Capps' office, the congresswoman said she was inspired by the conversations that took place regarding the question of faith and the role it can play in addressing the country's challenges.

"While it is critical that we maintain a clear institutional separation of church and state as dictated by our Constitution, it is also clear that there is an important place for the voices of people of faith in the public square," the congresswoman said in her statement.

Huggins said his experience participating in the one-day trip was a memorable one. "[Capps] brought in individuals to speak to issues such as the environment, social justice, and tolerance," he said. "She prepared the day in a way that was very sensitive towards making her constituents feel comfortable."

Huggins said he was also impressed with the level of respect the congresswoman received from her colleagues and how personable she was towards the participants. "She really has a heart for issues concerning the common man," he said. "She went out of her way to take care of us. It was a nice day of affirmation."