Cruz and Carson Tackle Urban Issues at South Carolina Summit

Presidential candidates Sen. Ted Cruz and Dr. Ben Carson took the stage Thursday night at the Carolina Values Summit, an event focused on many of the issues facing urban cities in America.

CBN News Chief Political Correspondent David Brody moderated the event.

Cruz focused much of his attention on the threat to religious liberty and family values such as life and marriage.

Cruz also said justice reform is needed, including changes to non-violent sentencing guidelines.

Meanwhile, Carson relayed his story of making it out of his rough childhood.

And he said Democratic policies are hurting the African-American community.

"The progressives have tried to convince the African-American community that they cannot get by without them and they really created a culture of dependency and it's really quite sad," Carson said.

"We need to invest much more time in early development. We need to be looking at government programs that encourage families because families, a full and complete family, is the best defense against poverty," he continued.

The summit was sponsored by the Reconciled Church Movement and the North Carolina Values Coalition.

They believe the Christian faith must play a central role in helping urban America strike the balance between rightousness and justice.